KAU and TiE Kerala host AGRICON 2026 in Thrissur to boost agri-tech investment
More than 600 farmers, startups, and national investors gathered in Thrissur to transform traditional farming into profitable, technology-driven enterprises.
Kerala Agricultural University and TiE Kerala hosted AGRICON 2026 in Thrissur on Friday, bringing together more than 600 farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, technology startups, researchers, and venture investors to accelerate modern enterprise across the agricultural sector.
Organised to coincide with World Food Day under the theme 'Where Agriculture Meets Enterprise, Innovation and Technology', the conference focused on converting traditional farming practices into tech-driven, sustainable commercial ventures. KAU Vice-Chancellor T Sajitha Rani inaugurated the gathering.
Sessions through the day addressed practical mechanisms for value addition, farm mechanisation, and strategies to transition research from university laboratories into commercial markets.
Venture funding and technology showcase
The event provided a direct platform for agricultural technology ventures to pitch innovations to institutional funding partners. Seven investors from major business hubs, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, attended the conference to evaluate regional startups, according to K P Sudheer, head of KAU's Agri Business Incubator.
| Partner or group | Key role at AGRICON 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kerala Agricultural University | Co-organiser and research host |
| TiE Kerala | Industry co-organiser |
| National investors | Seven funding representatives from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru |
| Kerala Angel Network | Regional angel investment and startup growth |
A dedicated interaction session involving the Kerala Angel Network gave emerging founders direct channels to explore seed funding and operational scaling. KAU officials stated that building these investor links is intended to strengthen commercial agribusiness, ensuring research-backed technology reaches fields across the state.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total participants | Over 600 | KAU press release |
| National investors present | 7 | K P Sudheer, head of KAU Agri Business Incubator |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Thrissur | Location of the AGRICON 2026 conference |
| TiE Kerala | Co-organiser representing business leaders and mentors |
| Kerala Agricultural University | Co-organiser of the AGRICON 2026 conference |
