The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is launching a program to select 100 promising startups through a rigorous two-stage process. Initial applications will be screened based on criteria such as innovation, scalability, and alignment with APEDA’s export-focused objectives. Shortlisted startups will then compete in a business challenge stage, showcasing their solutions and business potential. This comprehensive evaluation ensures the final cohort represents the most capable and impactful ventures in the agri-food sector.
Screening and Shortlisting:
Once the application window closes, all submissions will undergo a rigorous evaluation process using a 20-point scoring framework (specific to each category) to assess, rank, and shortlist candidates. Each of the 20 criteria will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest, 5 the highest), resulting in a maximum total score of 100. Evaluators will assign scores for each criterion based on the startup’s responses to targeted questions in the profiling questionnaire. The scoring parameters are defined as follows:
Based on the evaluation, the top 200 startups and organizations across three categories will be shortlisted to advance to the Business Challenge phase.
# |
Criterion |
Description |
1 |
Innovation in Product |
Introduces novel features or approaches in the agri-food sector |
2 |
Market Trends Alignment |
Aligns with global market trends (e.g., organic, vegan, sustainable) |
3 |
Scalability for Exports |
Scales production, distribution, and market reach for export markets |
4 |
Market Validation |
Evidence of demand via research, feedback, or pilot sales |
5 |
Team Capability |
Team’s technical and market expertise to develop and scale product |
6 |
Sustainability Practices |
Incorporates sustainable practices in production or packaging |
7 |
Compliance with Standards |
Meets global export certifications and regulations |
8 |
Customer Segment Fit |
Targets a clear customer segment with strong value proposition |
9 |
Differentiation Potential |
Positions as a first-of-its-kind or unique offering in the market |
10 |
Production Feasibility |
Ensures consistent production at scale while maintaining quality |
11 |
Packaging Innovation |
Enhances shelf life, appeal, or sustainability for export markets |
12 |
Health and Nutrition |
Offers health or nutritional benefits for global consumers |
13 |
Cultural Relevance |
Resonates with cultural preferences in target export markets |
14 |
Cost Competitiveness |
Priced competitively in export markets while maintaining profitability |
15 |
Export Readiness |
Demonstrates readiness for export processes and logistics |
16 |
Supply Chain Reliability |
Ensures reliable sourcing and supply chain for scaled production |
17 |
Technology Adoption |
Leverages technology for production, logistics, or market reach |
18 |
Market Access Strategy |
Facilitates access to global buyers or export markets |
19 |
Financial Viability |
Clear and scalable revenue model for commercial success |
20 |
APEDA Program Alignment |
Aligns with APEDA’s incubation goals (e.g., market access, certifications) |
# |
Criterion |
Description |
1 |
Innovation in Solution |
Novel technology or approach to address export challenges |
2 |
Export Impact Potential |
Improves export outcomes (e.g., efficiency, market access, cost reduction) |
3 |
Scalability Across Markets |
Scales effectively across exporters and international markets |
4 |
Market Validation |
Evidence of demand via research, feedback, or pilots |
5 |
Team Technical Expertise |
Team’s technical and domain expertise to develop and scale solution |
6 |
Sustainability Practices |
Incorporates sustainable or ESG-compliant practices |
7 |
Compliance with Standards |
Aligns with international export regulations (e.g., Codex, EU, HACCP) |
8 |
Customer Segment Fit |
Targets a clear exporter segment with strong value proposition |
9 |
Differentiation from Competitors |
Stands out from existing market offerings |
10 |
Implementation Feasibility |
Easily integrates into exporter workflows with minimal barriers |
11 |
Cost Efficiency for Exporters |
Reduces costs (e.g., logistics, compliance) for exporters |
12 |
Technology Readiness Level |
Solution’s stage of development and readiness for deployment |
13 |
Complementary Linkage |
Enhances or supports other agri-food startups in the export ecosystem |
14 |
Risk Mitigation for Exports |
Addresses export risks (e.g., delays, compliance, financial) |
15 |
Operational Efficiency |
Streamlines exporter processes (e.g., documentation, logistics) |
16 |
Market Adaptability |
Adapts to diverse global market requirements or conditions |
17 |
Technology Integration |
Leverages modern tech (e.g., AI, IoT, blockchain) for export solutions |
18 |
Market Access Enhancement |
Improves exporter access to global buyers or markets |
19 |
Financial Viability |
Clear and scalable revenue model for commercial success |
20 |
APEDA Program Alignment |
Aligns with APEDA’s incubation goals (e.g., pilots, network access) |
# |
Criterion |
Description |
1 |
Innovation in SPS Solution |
Introduces novel technology or approach to address SPS challenges |
2 |
SPS Impact Effectiveness |
Demonstrates measurable impact on SPS compliance or pest/disease mitigation |
3 |
Scalability for Exports |
Scales SPS solutions across commodities and export markets |
4 |
Market Validation |
Evidence of demand via pilots, feedback, or third-party validation |
5 |
Team Technical Expertise |
Team’s expertise in SPS, Agritech, or export domains |
6 |
Sustainability Practices |
Incorporates eco-friendly or sustainable SPS solutions |
7 |
Compliance with SPS Standards |
Aligns with international SPS regulations (e.g., Codex, EU, WTO) |
8 |
Exporter Segment Fit |
Targets a clear exporter segment with tailored SPS value |
9 |
Differentiation from Competitors |
Unique SPS solution compared to existing market offerings |
10 |
Implementation Feasibility |
Easily integrates into exporter workflows for SPS compliance |
11 |
Cost Efficiency for Exporters |
Reduces SPS-related costs (e.g., compliance, testing, losses) |
12 |
Technology Readiness Level |
Stage of SPS solution development and deployment readiness |
13 |
Complementary Linkage |
Enhances other agri-food startups in the SPS ecosystem |
14 |
SPS Risk Mitigation |
Addresses SPS risks (e.g., pest outbreaks, residue violations) |
15 |
Operational Efficiency |
Streamlines SPS processes (e.g., testing, documentation) |
16 |
Market Adaptability |
Adapts to diverse global SPS requirements |
17 |
Technology Integration |
Leverages modern tech (e.g., AI, IoT, blockchain) for SPS solutions |
18 |
Market Access Enhancement |
Improves exporter access to SPS-compliant markets |
19 |
Financial Viability |
Clear and scalable revenue model for SPS solutions |
20 |
APEDA Program Alignment |
Aligns with APEDA’s SPS and export promotion goals |
Business Challenge and Cohort Selection:
Following the initial screening of applications, 200 startups/entities will be shortlisted for the next evaluation round, which will take the form of a business challenge. This event will be organized in New Delhi, with exact dates communicated directly to the shortlisted applicants. Participation is mandatory and requires in-person attendance.
Each startup will have 5 minutes to pitch their venture, focusing specifically on the theme of Exports. The pitch should emphasize the startup’s offerings, their uniqueness, and innovative strategies and solutions to enhance export potential and global market reach. A detailed briefing on the pitch requirements and process will be communicated to all shortlisted startups/organizations prior to the business challenge. The jury will engage in a 5-minute Q&A session to assess the feasibility and impact of the proposed ideas. Based on the pitches and interactions, the jury will score and rank all participants, and the top 100 will be selected for the final cohort of the pilot batch of BHARATI.