Overview

The Sharda School of Agricultural Sciences (SSAS), Sharda University, in collaboration with the Department of Life Sciences (Food Science & Technology), Sharda School of Bio-Science & Technology(SSBT), proposes to organize the SHITIJ 2026 Bootcamp, in association with Pusa Krishi, ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), GOI. The programme is jointly implemented by six premier ICAR Institutes and supported by the National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF). The boot camp aims to promote innovation, research translation, and entrepreneurial orientation among undergraduate students and early-stage agri-innovators, with a special focus on Plant Health and Precision Agriculture. It will provide structured pre-incubation support, expert mentoring by ICAR scientists and startup professionals, exposure to ICAR research infrastructure (need-based), and guidance on funding facilitation and pilot opportunities. Students from agriculture and food science disciplines will gain exposure to national innovation ecosystems and emerging startup pathways.

Objectives of Event

• To foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking amongst the students.
• To facilitate research translation and mentoring through interaction with ICAR scientists and agri-startup experts.
• To create awareness on plant health and precision agriculture technologies and national agri-innovation ecosystems.

Convener Details

• Prof. Dolly Wattal Dhar, Dean, SSAS, 9868047781, dolly.wattal@sharda.ac.in
• Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra, HOD, Dept. of Life Sciences, SSBT, 9891866238, santosh.mishra1@sharda.ac.in
• Prof. Saleem Siddiqui, Dept. of Life Sciences, SSBT, 9416397847, saleem.siddiqui@sharda.ac.in

Co-ordinators:

• Dr. Dristika Jairu, Asst. Professor, SSAS, 8695847543, dristika.jairu@sharda.ac.in
• Dr. Ranjana Pande, Asst. Professor, SSBT, 9552866626, ranjana.pande@sharda.ac.in
• Dr. Anamika Mehta, Asst. Professor, SSBT, 9821008098, anamika.mehta@sharda.ac.in
• Dr. Sujata Pandit Sharma, Asso. Professor, SSBT, 9818633098, sujata.sharma@sharda.ac.in
• Dr. Savita Rani, Asst. Professor, SSBT, 9728535631, savita.rani1@sharda.ac.in

Speaker Details:

• Dr. Manisha Mani, Innovation Lead, PUSA KRISHI ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
• Ms. Abha Toppo , PUSA KRISHI ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi