Microsoft launches Agritech Accelerator
Microsoft has launched a new programme, “Microsoft for Agritech Startups”, to promote agritech startups in India. The agritech accelerator aims to boost innovation in agriculture.
Microsoft wants to help startups build digital solutions that raise productivity, improve market linkages, make supply chains more efficient and widen access to inputs for agriculture businesses.
To help with data processing, startups in the programme will get free access to Azure FarmBeats. Azure FarmBeats brings together agricultural datasets from different providers. It then generates actionable insights by building artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models on the combined data. This will help startups find customised solutions.
Microsoft said all Indian startups that have raised anything from seed capital to Series C funding will get Azure benefits, technical support and help with onboarding to Azure Marketplace.
Sangeeta Bavi, Director of Microsoft for Startups in India, said the programme is one of many early steps to empower Indian startups and lead a transformation in global agricultural practices.
The programme has three tiers and offers benefits such as tech enablement and business resources. Through Microsoft’s partner ecosystem, Indian startups with enterprise-ready solutions can work with other startups that focus on marketing strategies, technical support and new sales opportunities.
Microsoft wants to bring startups, corporates, industry bodies, governments and venture capital firms onto a shared platform for learning and discovering new methods.
India has more than 1090 agritech startups working to improve farmers’ lives and fix supply chain issues. From high-tech drones, IoT devices and data analytics to AI and satellite imagery, they have contributed to critical corners of the agriculture industry.
Startups such as WayCool, Ninjacart, AgNext, Aquaconnect, Fasal, Freshokartz, Gramophone, O4S and Intello Labs helped the sector raise 350% more funding in 2019.
