Can for-profit agritech startups or research institutions apply as lead applicants?

No. Only non-profits, CSOs, and Section 8 companies with valid 12A, 80G, and CSR-1 registrations can apply as lead applicants. For-profit entities can participate as consortium partners led by an eligible non-profit.

What registrations are mandatory to apply?

Applicants must hold valid 12A, 80G, and CSR-1 registrations.

What is the maximum grant amount available?

The program offers up to ₹6.5 crore in grants.

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Rapid Regen Challenge — the^delta prize

A CSR initiative by PepsiCo and the^delta prize offering up to ₹6.5 crore in grants for non-profits deploying regenerative agriculture solutions with smallholder farmers across India.

About this project

The Rapid Regen Challenge is a CSR-funded initiative by PepsiCo, delivered through the^delta prize, that provides grant funding of up to ₹6.5 crore to non-profits working on regenerative agriculture. The program is designed to support projects that work directly with smallholder farmers to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, improve water cycles, and strengthen climate resilience. Eligible non-profits can apply as lead applicants, with the flexibility to partner with for-profit companies or research institutions as consortium partners. Selected organisations will receive funding along with mentorship and implementation support to scale their regenerative agriculture models.

Eligibility

This grant is open to registered non-profits, civil society organisations (CSOs), and Section 8 companies with valid 12A, 80G, and CSR-1 registrations. Applicants must have prior experience working with smallholder farmers in agriculture, natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, or related sectors. For-profit companies, agritech startups, and research institutions are not eligible as lead applicants but can be consortium partners led by an eligible non-profit.

80G registration12A registrationCSR-1 registration

How to apply

Submit your application through the official challenge portal at https://rapidregenchallenge.thedelta.org.in/ before the deadline. The source text does not specify additional step-by-step instructions.

Documents you’ll need

Valid 12A registration certificate
Valid 80G registration certificate
Valid CSR-1 registration certificate

Selection process

The source text does not detail the selection process stages. Please refer to the official website for updates on shortlisting and evaluation criteria.

Frequently asked questions

Can for-profit agritech startups or research institutions apply as lead applicants?: No. Only non-profits, CSOs, and Section 8 companies with valid 12A, 80G, and CSR-1 registrations can apply as lead applicants. For-profit entities can participate as consortium partners led by an eligible non-profit.
What registrations are mandatory to apply?: Applicants must hold valid 12A, 80G, and CSR-1 registrations.
Is prior experience with smallholder farmers required?: Yes, applicants must demonstrate prior experience working with smallholder farmers in agriculture, natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, or related sectors.
What is the maximum grant amount available?: The program offers up to ₹6.5 crore in grants.
When is the application deadline?: The deadline is 2 August 2026.

Source: original programme announcement