In a landmark move fostering agricultural innovation, the Punjab Agribusiness Incubator (PABI) at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), inked Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) with 22 pioneering startups. The agreement, signed by Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, marked a significant leap towards propelling agricultural entrepreneurship in the region. The signing ceremony, held at PABI headquarters, saw the convergence of visionary minds committed to revolutionizing Punjab's agricultural landscape.

During the ceremony, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, lauded the collaborative efforts between the academia and the industry, showcased by the PABI. Dr Gosal reiterated the university's commitment to fostering an ecosystem conducive for innovation and entrepreneurship. "The MoAs not only mark a significant milestone for PABI but also underscore the collective resolve to harness technology and entrepreneurship for agricultural revitalization. With innovation at its core, PABI stands poised to lead Punjab towards a future of agricultural prosperity and resilience," he observed.

Dr Bhullar expressed immense optimism about the collaborative efforts poised to drive agricultural advancements in the state."By partnering with these dynamic startups, PABI aims to incubate groundbreaking solutions that address the evolving challenges faced by our agricultural community," he remarked. The PABI's strategic partnerships with the selected startups encompass a diverse array of focus areas, ranging from precision farming technologies, agri-finance solutions, to novel crop management techniques. Through mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support, PABI endeavors to empower these startups to translate their innovative ideas into scalable ventures,” he added.

The Principal Investigator (PI) Dr TS Riar and Co-PI of PABI Dr Poonam Sachdev emphasized the pivotal role that startups play in driving agricultural transformation.

"Our collaboration with these 22 startups epitomizes PABI's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering a culture of innovation within the agricultural domain,” said Dr Riar.

“We aim to catalyze sustainable growth, enhance productivity, and create tangible impact across Punjab's agricultural value chain," stated Dr Sachdev.

Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head, Department of Extension Education, was also present on the occasion.