
Selection and Investment Committee (SIC) screening done for startups
Selection and Investment Committee (SIC) Screening by NEATeHub: A Regional Showcase of Agri Innovation
NEATeHub recently conducted an extensive Selection and Investment Committee (SIC) screening process for startups under the RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative, bringing together some of the most promising agri and allied-sector innovators from across Northeast India. Held over a span of three days, the SIC was conducted online, allowing participation from diverse geographies and ensuring a smooth, inclusive process.
A panel of five expert jury members—comprising domain specialists, industry veterans, and business mentors—evaluated each pitch. The screening wasn’t limited to NEATeHub’s incubated startups alone; it also included startups from other R-ABIs (RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubators) in the Northeast region, all of which fall under NEATeHub's Knowledge Partner (KP) responsibilities. This made the event a truly regional showcase of innovation.
Over 100 startups presented their ideas, ranging from casual honey mead wines with a local twist to consulting services focused on carbon credit systems tailored for the Northeast's unique ecological context. The diversity of ideas reflected the richness of the region’s agri-ecosystem, with startups hailing from states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya.
The SIC process allowed startups to not only showcase their business potential but also receive constructive feedback and validation from seasoned experts. The final selection will determine eligibility for grant-in-aid support up to ₹25 lakhs under RKVY-RAFTAAR. The results of the screening are currently pending and are expected to be announced soon, setting the stage for the next wave of supported agri-entrepreneurs in the region.