BIPA, the world’s oldest trade body in the BioAgri space, announced the Winners of India’s first-ever BioAgri Startup Challenge at BioAgri 2025

Hyderabad, December 13, 2025: The BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), the world’s oldest trade body in the agricultural biology space, today announced the winners of India’s first-ever Startup Challenge dedicated exclusively to the BioAgri sector, held as part of the two-day BioAgri 2025 conference just-concluded at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.
Arthro Biotech, Pinnacle BioSciences, and Silverphage Technologies emerged as the top three winners, while V-Humate received the consolation prize. The Startup Challenge marked a significant milestone for the Indian BioAgri ecosystem, offering emerging startups national and global visibility and a rare opportunity to pitch before investors and industry leaders, even though no prize money was attached to the competition.
The BioAgri Startup Challenge witnessed participation from 20 startups from across India and was jointly organised by BIPA in collaboration with leading biotech and deep-tech incubators, including IKP Knowledge Park (International One Health Incubator), Venture Centre Pune, AgHub Hyderabad, Pusa Krishi, and Social Alpha. The entire initiative was coordinated by a BIPA member and a successful entrepreneur, reflecting the association’s industry-driven approach.
The finalists presented their innovations to an audience of over 200 stakeholders from across India and abroad during BioAgri 2025, India’s largest agri-input professionals conference. After two rounds of jury evaluation, the top five startups were shortlisted for live pitching, from which the final three winners were selected.
Arthro Biotech was adjudged the first prize winner for its work in producing and distributing eco-friendly animal feed components and soil conditioners. The company was founded by Praveen K. Sappa and co-founded by Kishore Nalam.
Pinnacle BioSciences secured the second position for its focus on algae-based solutions for agriculture, animal nutrition, aquaculture, and human health. The company leverages marine algae such as seaweed to develop biofertilizers, feed supplements, and health products. It was founded by Dr M. Adhi Visvanathan, a noted algology expert, and is led by Director Vishnu Ram, along with Gowtham.
Silverphage Technologies, based in Chandigarh, won the third prize. Represented by Shivam Chinyoti, the startup is known for its innovative biological solutions. V-Humate, which bagged the consolation prize, is engaged in manufacturing advanced solutions for agriculture, oil drilling, and animal feed.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Venkatesh Devanur, Secretary General, BIPA, said that the BIPA Startup Challenge 2025 was launched to encourage deep-tech innovation in biological agriculture by providing startups with critical business connections and pathways to commercial traction—key elements required for scaling bio-based technologies. He added that through such initiatives, BIPA continues to strengthen its long-standing commitment to advancing India’s BioAgri ecosystem by recognising current industry leaders while empowering the innovators of tomorrow.