Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation. at a press conference, in Chennai on Thursday July 31, 2025
| Photo Credit:
BIJOY GHOSH/businessline
MS Swaminathan Research Foundation will launch the Agritech Grand Challenge in collaboration with Social Alpha, a venture development platform addressing social, economic and environmental issues. The initiative aims to identify and scale breakthrough innovations addressing urgent challenges in agriculture and rural development and will award a grant of ₹1 crore, according to a press release.
The challenge will be introduced during the MS Swaminathan International Centenary Conference, commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna awardee and Father of India’s Green Revolution, Professor MS Swaminathan. The conference, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, will carry the theme “Evergreen Revolution- The Pathway to Bio Happiness”
“This centenary conference is more than a tribute to Professor MS Swaminathan, it’s a call to action. As we confront climate change, biodiversity loss and rural distress, we need bold, science-led solutions rooted in equity and sustainability. The Agritech Grand Challenge reflects that vision, supporting innovations that are pro-poor, pro-nature, and grounded in the wisdom of farmers” Soumya Swaminathan told media persons on Thursday.
Published on July 31, 2025