Terms and Conditions

All participants are encouraged to read the details on the APEDA BHARATI Initiative page, familiarize themselves with the programme, and ensure they understand and comply with the terms and conditions below. Submission of an application to the programme will be deemed as having read, understood, and voluntarily accepted these terms and conditions. APEDA reserves the right to edit, amend, or modify the terms and conditions pertaining to the programme at its sole discretion.

  1. Eligibility and Registration
    • All participating entities must be duly registered and incorporated in India under applicable laws, including the Companies Act, 2013, or other relevant statutes.
    • Applicants who are not currently registered with APEDA, would be required to obtain a valid Registration-cum-Membership-Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA, as applicable, to ensure alignment with export-focused objectives of the programme. The non-registered participants can initiate the registration process during and/or post application form submission process. The applicants who are screened/short-listed/selected for the Acceleration programme would be required to have a valid Registration-cum-Membership-Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA prior to the commencement of the Acceleration phase of the programme
    • Non-APEDA members would be required to apply for RCMC under the following appropriate category (1) Merchant (2) Manufacturer (3) Merchant/Manufacturers as pre-requisite for participation
    • Start-ups applying for this initiative should fall under the definition of Start-ups provided by APEDA.
    • Farmer Producer Company (who are not currently registered) and are applying for the programme would also be required to apply for RCMC under the following appropriate category (1) Merchant (2) Manufacturer (3) Merchant/Manufacturers as pre-requisite for participation
    • Participants applying as Export-enabling technology/service providers need to apply for RCMC under the category of Merchant.
    • Startups applying as solution providers for SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) challenges need to apply for RCMC under the category of Merchant.
    • Individual Researcher, Innovator, Solo/Self-Employed entrepreneur applying  under the category Solution Providers for SPS Challenges,are not required to meet the definition of start-up for this initiative or apply for RCMC under the category of Merchant.
  2. Application Window and Limits
    • Only the first 1000 applications (post meeting the screening criteria) received during the published application window dates will be considered for the purpose of screening and evaluation for the pilot cohort. The application process will be closed once 1000 applications (meeting screening qualifications) are received or the application cut-off date is over, whichever is earlier. APEDA is not obliged to extend the application window and/or consider more applications. It will also not individually acknowledge or communicate with applicants whose applications are received after the 1000 mark.
  3. Screening Criteria for Categories
    • For each of the three categories of start-ups and organizations that the APEDA BHARATI programme will consider, there is a specific screening criteria provided in the application form. Applicants are required to answers the screening questions first and who do not meet the screening criteria will not be able to proceed further to apply and fill the application form if the screening criteria are not met.
  4. Batch Size
    • The maximum size of the batch for the pilot cohort is 100 organizations/entities/start-ups meeting the requirements of the programme and the applicable eligibility criteria. These 100 participants (maximum) will be selected through a process of application screening, and then participants shortlisted from that will be further evaluated through a business challenges/hackathon. The final 100 will comprise startups/organizations from these three areas:
      1. High-value and innovative agri-food producers operating within APEDA’s scheduled product categories.
      2. Technology startups developing breakthrough solutions to address export-related challenges.
      3. Organizations and startups offering ideas, solutions, innovations to mitigate sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) risks and compliance barriers.
    • APEDA reserves the right to change the batch size and, in case APEDA does not get the right quality of startups, the batch size can be reduced at its discretion.
  5. Export Focus
    • The core focus of the BHARATI programme is export enablement. Participants must demonstrate a clear commitment to developing products, services, or solutions that align with international market requirements and exhibit export potential.
  6. Application and Participation Costs
    • Participants shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of applications, including any applicable fees, documentation, or professional services required.
    • Selected participants are responsible for all expenses related to attending the hackathon and/or any other knowledge sessions, events, trade-fairs, buyer-seller meets and/or any other activities related to the programme, including travel, accommodation, meals, and incidental costs.
    • Participants must arrange their own technological and infrastructural resources (e.g., internet access, devices) to participate in the online acceleration programme.
    • All participants are required to pay INR 5000 to APEDA for personalized 1-1 mentorship sessions and business inputs to their business plan and investor pitch deck. Participants who do not pay INR 5000 will only be eligible to attend the 120 hours of acceleration programme sessions and will not be eligible for mentorship sessions.
  7. programme Participation Requirements
    • The export-focused acceleration programme is designed for online delivery, and APEDA will publish a detailed calendar of sessions and activities in advance.
    • Full attendance and active participation in all mandatory online sessions are required to qualify for the issuance of a completion certificate from APEDA.
    • Each participating entity may nominate a maximum of one representative, including the owner or founder, to participate in the programme, and their details must be submitted during the application process.
    • Participants must maintain professional conduct during all programme activities, including interactions with APEDA, mentors, partners, and other participants. Any behaviour deemed inappropriate by APEDA may result in immediate disqualification.
    • Participants must adhere to fair trade practices and ethical conduct throughout the programme, refraining from activities that could harm the reputation of APEDA, the BHARATI initiative, or other participants.
    • Participants must ensure a professional and respectful online presence, avoiding offensive language, inappropriate behaviour, or disruptions during virtual sessions. Any violation of online etiquette may result in removal from sessions or disqualification.
  8. programme Completion and Certification (Final Cohort Startups)
    • A completion certificate will be issued only to participants who fulfil all mandatory requirements, including full attendance in online sessions and compliance with programme deliverables.
    • Participants will be marked for attendance and may be given assignments, quizzes, or assessments at the end of each session to monitor participation and learning.
    • Participants must keep their cameras on for the entire duration of each session.
    • The certificate is a recognition of programme completion and does not confer any legal, commercial, or preferential rights for APEDA schemes or benefits.
  9. Post-programme Obligations
    • Participants who successfully complete the programme are expected to provide periodic updates to APEDA on their export-related progress for a period of one year post-programme, as part of programme impact assessment.
    • Failure to comply with post-programme reporting requirements may affect eligibility for future APEDA programmes or support.
  10. Communication and Notifications
    • Participants must ensure that the contact details provided (email, phone) are accurate and remain active throughout the programme.
    • APEDA shall not be liable for any missed communications due to incorrect or inactive contact details.
  11. Withdrawal or Substitution of Participants
    • Any withdrawal or request for substitution of representatives must be notified in writing and approved by APEDA.
    • Substitution of participants after the programme has commenced is not permitted without APEDA’s explicit consent.
  12. Third-Party Services and Vendors
    • APEDA is not responsible for any services, products, or advice provided by third-party mentors, investors, or service providers engaged during the programme.
    • Participants shall independently verify the suitability of such third-party services before entering into any agreements or transactions.
  13. Accuracy, Integrity, and Disclosure
    • Applicants must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information in all application materials and supporting documents submitted to APEDA.
    • Submission of false, misleading, or incomplete information will result in immediate disqualification from the programme and may lead to further action as per APEDA’s policies.
    • Applicants must provide full and accurate disclosure of any ongoing or past civil, criminal, or compliance-related cases involving their entity or key personnel prior to onboarding in the programme.
  14. Background Verification and Due Diligence
    • APEDA reserves the right to conduct background verification and due diligence checks on applicants and their entities to ensure compliance with programme requirements and ethical standards.
    • Applicants must consent to such verification processes and provide any additional information or documentation requested by APEDA for this purpose.
  15. Ownership, Intellectual Property, and Confidentiality
    • Participants are solely responsible for protecting their intellectual property rights and ensuring that their submissions do not infringe on the rights of third parties.
    • Any intellectual property developed by participants during the programme remains their sole property unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
    • APEDA shall not claim ownership of any solutions, prototypes, or innovations developed by participants but may showcase them for promotional purposes with due attribution.
    • APEDA will take reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information provided by participants but is not liable for disclosures made for programme purposes (e.g., evaluation or investor outreach).
    • Participants must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with APEDA, if required, to protect sensitive programme-related information shared during the initiative.
  16. Data Privacy and Use of Submitted Information
    • All information, documents, and materials submitted during the application process will become the property of APEDA and may be used for programme-related purposes, including evaluation, promotion, and reporting.
    • By participating, applicants consent to APEDA collecting, storing, processing, and sharing participant information with programme partners for evaluation, investor outreach, or other programme-related purposes, subject to confidentiality obligations.
  17. Branding, Media, and Public Communications
    • Participants shall not engage in media interactions, press releases, or social media promotions related to their participation in the BHARATI programme without prior written approval from APEDA.
    • Participants must refrain from disseminating negative, defamatory, or misleading messages about the programme, APEDA, or its partners, whether through media, social media, or other public platforms.
    • Participants may not use APEDA’s logo, branding, or name in any promotional materials, products, or communications without prior written approval from APEDA.
  18. Financial Support and Government Schemes
    • APEDA does not guarantee any investor interactions, nor does it provide or facilitate direct funding, grants, or financial assistance from itself or any third party under the BHARATI programme
    • While APEDA may facilitate connections with investors on a best-effort basis, securing funding or investment is the sole responsibility of participants, and APEDA does not assure or guarantee any funding outcomes.
    • Participation in the BHARATI programme does not entitle participants to automatic access to any government schemes, benefits, funding, or grants provided by APEDA or other governmental bodies.
    • Any application for government schemes, benefits, funding, or grants must be pursued independently by participants, subject to the respective eligibility criteria and processes.
    • APEDA will not provide any assistance for availing government schemes, benefits, funding, or grants.
  19. programme Modifications and Indicative Nature
    • APEDA reserves the absolute right to modify the programme structure, timelines, selection criteria, or any other aspect of the BHARATI initiative at its sole discretion, with or without prior notice to participants.
    • All information provided by APEDA regarding the BHARATI programme, including timelines, programme structure, and support mechanisms, is indicative and may change.
    • The content plan and topics provided on the website for the 120 hours of acceleration programme are indicative and can be changed/modified at the discretion of APEDA.
    • APEDA shall not be held accountable for any discrepancies, changes, or reliance on programme-related information.
  20. Commitment to programme Completion
    • Participants are expected to complete the entire BHARATI programme, including all phases from application to investor outreach, unless terminated by APEDA.
    • Voluntary withdrawal from the programme before completion may result in APEDA reserving the right to debar the participant from future APEDA programmes or support initiatives.
  21. Selection and Discretion
    • The shortlisting, selection, and participation of startups or entities in the BHARATI programme are at the sole discretion of APEDA, and all decisions are final and binding.
    • APEDA is not obligated to provide reasons or justifications for the rejection, non-selection, or disqualification of any applicant.
  22. Termination of Participation
    • APEDA reserves the right to terminate a participant’s involvement in the programme at any stage for reasons including, but not limited to, non-compliance with these terms, failure to meet programme requirements, submission of false information, or conduct deemed detrimental to the programme’s objectives.
    • Terminated participants may be debarred from future APEDA programmes or support initiatives at APEDA’s discretion.
  23. Limitation of APEDA’s Role and Indemnity
    • APEDA’s role is limited to facilitation and programme delivery; it does not endorse, certify, or validate the quality, feasibility, or market viability of participant products or services.
    • APEDA shall not be liable for any losses, damages, claims, or expenses arising from participation in the BHARATI programme, including but not limited to financial losses, missed business opportunities, or reputational harm.
    • Participants agree to indemnify and hold APEDA, its affiliates, partners, and representatives harmless against any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from their participation, actions, or omissions during the programme.
  24. programme Evaluation and Feedback
    • Participants agree to participate in surveys, feedback sessions, or impact assessments conducted by APEDA during and after the programme to evaluate its effectiveness.
  25. Dispute Resolution
    • Any disputes arising from participation in the BHARATI programme shall be resolved through mutual consultation between the participant and APEDA.
    • If unresolved, disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi, India, and governed by Indian law.
  26. Force Majeure

APEDA is not liable for delays, cancellations, or modifications to the programme due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to natural disasters, government regulations, pandemics, or other force majeure event.