Jalandhar, 20.08.26-; The Agri Startup Stakeholders Connect Programme turned Lovely Professional University into a meeting ground for India's agricultural innovation ecosystem, bringing together over 300 participants from across the country. Organised by CPU's School of Agriculture in collaboration with the MANAGE Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (MANAGE CIA), Hyderabad, and PAU Agribusiness Incubator, the programme created opportunities for startups, researchers, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen agricultural entrepreneurship.

The gathering brought together startup founders, scientists, industry professionals, investors, incubators, government officials, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), corporate representatives, NGOs, faculty members, and students. The diverse participation encouraged meaningful interactions between emerging entrepreneurs and established institutions, enabling discussions around research support, technology transfer, market access, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities essential for building scalable agricultural enterprises.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Loviraj Gupta, Pro Vice Chancellor, LPU, stated that agriculture is entering a new phase where innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration must work together to create sustainable solutions for farmers and rural communities. Dr. Gupta shared that universities have a significant responsibility in bringing together researchers, startups, industry, and policymakers on a common platform where ideas can evolve into practical solutions with real world impact.

Dr. Saravanan Raj, Director (Agricultural Extension), MANAGE and CEO, MANAGE CIA, emphasised that strong partnerships between academic institutions, incubation centres, research organisations, and industry can provide startups with the technical guidance, networking opportunities, and ecosystem support needed to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Experts from ICAR ATARI Ludhiana, NABI Mohali, ICAR CIPHET Ludhiana, and CGIAR's International Potato Center shared insights into research driven innovation, enterprise development, and opportunities available through their respective institutions. Their sessions familiarised entrepreneurs with avenues for technical collaboration, research partnerships, and institutional support that can contribute to the growth of emerging agri startups.

Innovation took centre stage during the Startup Idea Pitching Session, where entrepreneurs presented their ideas before experts and stakeholders from across the ecosystem. At the Startup Exhibition and Networking Session, 18 agri startups also presented their innovative products and solutions across dedicated exhibition stalls. The exhibition created opportunities for direct interaction between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, industry representatives, and institutional partners, fostering conversations that could lead to future collaborations.

Dr. Pardeep Kumar Chhuneja and Dr. Sapna Jarial coordinated the programme from LPU, while Mr. Muthu Krishnan, Programme Coordinator, MANAGE CIA, coordinated it from MANAGE. During the event, Mr. Mandeep Singh Saini showcased the facilities and support ecosystem available through the LPU Incubation Centre, helping participants get acquainted with the university's infrastructure for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.