REPORT ON VHack AGRITHON

Forum for Innovation Incubation Research and Entrepreneurship (FiiRE) organized its flagship VHack hackathon. The VHack Agrithon was held on March 23, 24, 25 , 2021 with the aim of creating an efficient supply chain for Agri-based products so as to reduce wastage due to longer delivery cycles and to create cost efficient methods of sourcing, packaging, storing and delivering products. The Agrithon also aimed to equip the end consumer with a tool/technique to verify the authenticity of organic products. Those interested in being a part of the agri growth story which included producers/suppliers/ distributors/entrepreneurs/ students and others were invited to apply.

On the first day of the Agrithon (23^rd March, 2021), the participants were introduced to the Business Model Canvas (BMC). They then made a short presentation about their idea/solution for the Agrithon.

The second day (24^th March, 2021) started with the participants working on their BMC. FiiRE mentor Mr. Moorley Dharan and Mr. Manish Gosalia mentored the participants. Dr. (Ms.) Mathala Juliet Gupta (ICAR) was invited to interact with the participants and provide feedback/suggestions to them.

The participants then presented their BMC to a panel consisting of Mrs. Pranita Kotasthane, Dr. Neena Panandiker and Mr. Moorley Dharan who judged the merit of the idea and gave valuable feedback.

The final day of the Agrithon (25^th March 2021) saw the participants presenting their idea to Mr. Robert Lobo (Investor). Mr. Lobo advised the participants on how to focus on the value proposition and build entry barriers so that the business cannot be easily replicated.

The participants were also invited to have one-one mentoring sessions which would enable them to build more effective business models and chart out action plans to achieve objectives.

Some of the participants gave their testimonials as follows:

“I sincerely appreciate your help and guidance from all FiiRE team for giving me an opportunity to participate in Agrithon. It’s a really wonderful session with all mentors giving valuable tips and honest feedback that one cannot get anywhere. Inputs are really valuable for refining ideas.”

– Prasad Lotlikar

“Overall good coordination with staff and mentors helped. Got right information to set up the business.”

-Arun Malik

“You are a great team indeed. I like the way you spoon feed and take extra efforts in everything and the smallest of details. Looking forward to lots many meetings and exchanges.”

-Sulimark