Thu Mar 13 13:41:41 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Agricultural University Launches Major Agri-Tech Incubator

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, March 13, 2025** – Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) is launching a major new initiative to boost agricultural entrepreneurship in the state. In partnership with Western Sydney University (WSU) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), KAU will establish the K-AgTech LaunchPad, a ₹14.57 crore (approximately $1.76 million USD) program aimed at supporting farm sector startups.

This five-year project, the largest ever NABARD-funded project at KAU, will include the creation of a hi-tech farm unit at the KAU College of Agriculture in Vellayani. The program will provide incubation support, promote value addition and product diversification, and integrate artificial intelligence-driven smart climate adaptation technologies to enhance resilience. A key focus will be on empowering women through women-led enterprises.

Agriculture Minister P. Prasad will officially launch the K-AgTech LaunchPad on Friday. The initiative is expected to drive economic growth by fostering startups and SMEs, strengthening climate resilience, and facilitating global collaboration through knowledge exchange with WSU. KAU anticipates that the program will create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and translate research into practical applications.

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