Agri-Business Incubator (ABI)
In December 2002 , ICRISAT joined hands with the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India to develop an Agri-Business Incubator (ABI) at ICRISAT-Patancheru under the Technology Business Incubators Scheme of DST.
The mission of ABI is to facilitate the creation of competitive agri-business enterprises through technology development and commercialization. Within a short span of just over three years, ABI has emerged as a champion in incubating several technologies and enterprises, such as the use of sweet sorghum for ethanol production, BT cotton, Bio Fermi BTA Fermentor, popularization and release of groundnut variety ICGV-91114, popularization of chickpea varieties JG-11 & KAK2 amongst the farmers of Andhra Pradesh, and organic farming.
The Agri-Business Incubator, helps new entrepreneurs / enterprises with handholding services starting from business conceptualization to implementation and scaling up. It is up to the choice of the entrepreneur / enterprise to choose the kind of service. Currently ABI houses 8 enterprises under its incubation. Key services include, business mentorship, business plan preparation, statutory support, common facilities.
The Government of India has awarded ABI the Best Technology Incubator Award for 2005.
Mission:
To facilitate creation of competencies agri business enterprises through technology development and commercialization.
The ABI Provides:-
Technology Consultancy:- Transfer of agriculture know-how from ICRISAT’s research findings or from other national and international partners.
Business Facilitation:- Pre-feasibility studies, project appraisals, market research and techno-economic feasibility studies. ABI also assist by networking with bankers, venture capitalists and bureaucrats. Besides its facilities entrepreneurs to participate in events and trade shows.
Training:- Organizes entrepreneurship programme, skill upgrades and business management training courses.
Infrastructure & Facilities:- Office space, greenhouses, fully equipped dry and wet labs, agriculture lands, conference halls, cafeteria, dormitories.
