Mentor Connect Programme

The Mentor Connect Programme under K-AgTech Launchpad is a NABARD-supported mentorship initiative implemented by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) in collaboration with Western Sydney University (WSU). It aims to strengthen India’s agri-innovation ecosystem by bringing together domain experts and high-potential startups to accelerate technology validation, commercialization, and scalable agribusiness growth.

About the Mentor Connect Programme

The Mentor Connect Programme is a core strategic initiative of the K-AgTech Launchpad, funded by NABARD under the Rural Business Incubation Centre (RBIC) framework and implemented by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) in association with Western Sydney University (WSU). The programme is designed to establish a structured and high-calibre mentor ecosystem to support innovation-driven agri-startups and enterprises.

Through this initiative, a dedicated mentor pool is constituted to provide domain-specific guidance, research validation support, technology refinement inputs, business model development, regulatory advisory, commercialization pathways, and strategic scaling frameworks for startups incubated under the Launchpad.

The programme aims to accelerate the translation of research outputs, novel technologies, and field-level innovations into commercially viable, socially responsible, and economically sustainable agri-business models with measurable rural and national impact.

Who Can Be a Mentor?

Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
Scientists from ICAR institutions and affiliated research organizations
Scientists and researchers from allied and interdisciplinary domains
Industry experts, agribusiness leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs
Professionals with demonstrated expertise in technology, finance, policy, or enterprise development

Mentors will be selected based on expertise, experience, domain relevance, and demonstrated contributions to research, innovation, or industry practice.

Role and Responsibilities of Mentors

Structured, domain-driven guidance to strengthen innovation, enterprise development, and sustainable scaling

Technology & Research Validation

Provide expert inputs for technology refinement, scientific validation, proof-of-concept strengthening, prototype improvement, and alignment with current research and field realities.

Enterprise & Business Strategy

Guide startups in developing robust business plans, sustainable revenue models, market positioning strategies, partnership frameworks, and long-term scalability roadmaps.

Financial Planning & Funding Advisory

Support financial viability assessment, cost structuring, grant and investment readiness, and identification of suitable funding mechanisms including public and private sector opportunities.

Regulatory & Policy Alignment

Advise on regulatory compliance, certification requirements, intellectual property considerations, and policy alignment to ensure responsible and legally sound enterprise development.

Mentor Benefits

Recognition, collaboration, and institutional support for distinguished mentors

Honorarium

Honorarium will be provided to selected mentors in recognition of their professional contribution and engagement.

Official Certification

Certificate of Mentorship issued jointly by K-AgTech Launchpad – NABARD – KAU – WSU.

Networking Opportunities

Engagement with national and international academic, research, and industry collaborators.

Grant & Project Support

Special assistance and grant facilitation for economically viable and high-impact projects.

Mentor Registration

Interested experts may formally enroll by completing the registration form below. Applications will be reviewed based on expertise, experience, and domain relevance.