Accelerating Technology and Innovation for Forest Management
Introduction: Entrepreneurship and innovation have seen exponential boost in India over the last decade and India now stands as 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world. From financial inclusion to space-tech, we have witnessed growth in various facet of life. In continuation of the same, various state governments and Govt of India have upgraded their forest policies, giving greater emphasis to supporting innovation and technology solutions in forest management.
With the increasing global warming and climate challenges, increasing forest cover and sustainable management of existing forests are necessary. Brining startups and social-impact driven entrepreneur together with the government departments, and technology experts from academia can provide much needed acceleration in this space.
The Program: The accelerator program by Imagineering Lab, IIT Kanpur, shall offer startups with a unique approach and curriculum tailored to the needs to deep-tech startups and entrepreneurs in the domain of forest management. Startups will receive the expert advice, and access to the tools to build a market-ready product, support for validation of products in real-time environments, discussions with industry experts, and connect with foundations and corporate partners for social-impact funding support.
Eligibility:
- Startups registered in India, with more than 51% equity holding with resident-Indian Citizen.
- Team of innovators (final year students or researchers) can also apply. It is expected that the team shall duly complete the incorporation and must quality as per the above-mentioned criteria #1 during the program period itself.
Program Benefits:
- Technology and Product Mentorship: Mentorship and knowledge base of various departments and faculties of IIT Kanpur, product development support from Imagineering Lab team.
- Connects: Connections to the various stakeholders in the forest management domain, including industries, departments, and foundations.
- Collaborations: Opportunities to engage and collaborate with social-impact focused investors, corporates, and foundations.
Note: The program currently does not offer any funding opportunities. If any opportunities are available in future, the program team will help eligible startups and team as per the mandate of the respective opportunity.
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Domains: All eligible startups building deep-tech products in forest management are invited to apply. However, startups working on any of the below listed domains shall be given priority under this call for application:
- Biodiversity Monitoring & Threat Detection
- Real-time Long-term Forest Monitoring and Green-Asset Mapping
- Integrated digital monitoring and tracking platform to produce high-quality carbon credits
- Sustainable tourism product and projects without disturbance to flora and fauna
- Increasing Community Participation using technology and digital mediums (AR/VR/IOT)
Application Process: All interested startups/ team can apply via the link provided in the end of this document. The shortlisted startups/ team shall be contacted for an online-pitching session where the program team, along with experts, shall decide the final list of startups selected under the program.
Application Close date: 15th June 2024 (Last date of application has been extended till 19th June.)
Contact: For any question or clarification regarding this application or program, please reach out to Imagineering Lab Team or send email to us.
Dr. Amandeep Singh – adsingh@iitk.ac.in
Prof. J. Ramkumar – jrkumar@iitk.ac.in