AgroTech Space, in collaboration with Microsoft Azure and Reskilll, is set to host an immersive hackathon on 22 May 2025, to address the most pressing challenges in Indian agriculture. The event will bring together a broad spectrum of developers, engineers, and innovators who will engage in a collaborative effort to design scalable solutions for farming efficiency, sustainability and productivity.
Participants in the Agrotech Space Hackathon will engage directly with real-world agricultural challenges by developing solutions that utilize artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, and data analytics. The hackathon is targeted toward individuals with an interest in smart farming systems, optimized supply chains and sustainable agriculture models.
Panel Discussion: Spotlight on Infrastructure Innovation in Agriculture
A central highlight of the event is the panel discussion titled, “Is Infrastructure Innovation the Missing Link in Scalable, Sustainable Agriculture?” This forum will explore the pivotal role of technological infrastructure in transforming Indian agriculture, particularly in addressing fragmented supply chains, post-harvest losses, and the slow adoption of modern tools among smallholder farmers.
The panel will examine how farm-level digitization, inclusive policy frameworks, and strategic investments are redefining agricultural productivity and resilience. Topics of discussion will include tech-enabled infrastructure across agri value chains, investment trajectories, last-mile challenges in logistics and water access, and strategies to bridge the rural digital divide.
The jury includes (in alphabetical order) Madhukar Swayambhu, Co-Founder of Vaidic Srijan; Morup Namgail, Head Ag-Tech at IFFCO Kisan; Rajesh Panchal, Senior Consultant at Microsoft; Sachin Sharma, CEO of Kisan Manch ; Shenoy Mathew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Arya.ag; Shweta Dalmmia, Founder of Bharat Climate Startups and the Moderator for the discussion; and Vijay Singh, CEO & MD of Shunya Agritech.
Madhukar Swayambhu (Co-Founder, Vaidic Srijan)
Madhukar Swayambhu, brings a wealth of expertise in Nature-based Solutions (NbS), particularly focused on water rejuvenation and environmental management. A recipient of the Jal Shakti Mantralaya’s Water Hero award, and recognized as one of the Global Top 3 Authors on Water by Smart Water Magazine (Spain), Swayambhu has contributed extensively to journals and institutions through articles and lectures. His professional background includes operational leadership across SAARC countries and a deep engagement with ecosystem restoration projects, technical documentation, and sustainability consulting.
Morup Namgail (Head, Ag-Tech, IFFCO Kisan)
Morup Namgail, has more than 11 years of experience in digital agriculture. With hands-on expertise in building ‘digital twins’ for multiple agri value chains, Namgail’s work spans product development, FPO management and digital transformation. He champions the use of mobile apps, drones, IoT and data platforms to improve access and efficiency in farming, with a particular focus on inclusion for small and marginal farmers. His commitment extends to demand-driven supply chains and traceable, sustainable agricultural practices aimed at reducing inefficiencies and enhancing resilience.
Rajesh Panchal (Senior Consultant, Microsoft)
Rajesh Panchal is a Senior Consultant at Microsoft, specializing in Azure OpenAI and Cognitive Services. He is an experienced software engineer with expertise in developing enterprise-grade, AI-driven applications using technologies. Skilled in Microsoft Azure, including AI and cognitive services, Rajesh builds scalable, intelligent solutions leveraging Kubernetes and containerized deployments. He is also proficient in SQL Server and RDBMS design, with a strong focus on performance, security, and reliability. Known for his strategic problem-solving, clean architecture, and motivational speaking, he is committed to shaping the future through intelligent, data-driven innovations.
Sachin Sharma (CEO, KisanManch)
Sachin Sharma, CEO of Kisan Manch, offers over two decades of experience in business development, project execution and strategic planning. Sachin Sharma, who previously held senior positions at The Wave Group, Bajaj Hindusthan Ltd, and DSC Limited, is the founder of Agro Farm Ventures. With an MBA from International Management Centre, he specializes in project management and operational strategy, now steering Kisan Manch toward expanding farmer outreach and integrating scalable agribusiness solutions.
Shenoy Mathew (Chief Sustainability Officer, Arya.ag)
Shenoy Mathew, Chief Sustainability Officer, Arya.ag, brings a unique perspective shaped by his transition from a century old agrochemical multinational to an Indian agribusiness startup. With an academic background in agribusiness management from MANAGE, Hyderabad and field experience at Dow AgroSciences, Mathew now focuses on driving value in the agritech startup space. His work spans product development, marketing and strategic operations, and he has navigated diverse regional markets including India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Shweta Dalmmia (Founder, Bharat Climate Startups)
Shweta Dalmmia, will moderate the discussion. Her work lies at the intersection of grassroots climate innovation and global investment. Dalmmia is focused on building visibility and support for climate-tech entrepreneurs across tier 1, 2, and 3 Indian cities. She connects local founders with international stakeholders, ensuring that solutions around water, waste, energy, and livelihoods are recognized and resourced. Her ground-level storytelling and cross-border partnerships aim to amplify India’s climate adaptation capacity on a global scale.
Vijay Singh (CEO, Shunya Agritech)
Vijay Singh, brings experience across multiple entrepreneurial ventures including AaramShop—acquired by Reliance and integrated into the JioMart initiative. Singh’s current venture, Shunya, is focused on solving the fodder deficit through hydroponic fodder production, offering “fodder-as-a-service” to support India’s small dairy farmers. His earlier firm, Sercon, was acquired by WPP and scaled across Asia under his leadership. Singh’s professional interests include digital transformation, marketing strategy, and rural development, with a long-standing commitment to educational initiatives through Adharshila.
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Challenges Addressed at Agrotech Space Hackathon
Two primary problem statements have been identified for the Agrotech Space Hackathon.
The first focuses on Optimizing Transport Logistics for Farmers. Rural transportation inefficiencies, such as reliance on informal transport networks, underutilized truck capacity, poor infrastructure, and delayed deliveries, are prevalent issues. The challenge calls for a technology-driven logistics solution aimed at matching farmers’ needs with available transport capacity, optimizing delivery routes, reducing empty return trips and ensuring timely delivery of perishable goods. Participants are expected to present solutions that demonstrate farmer engagement strategies, regional scalability, long-term sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
The second challenge centers on a Renewable Energy-Driven Smart Irrigation System for Water Efficiency. With erratic energy availability and ongoing water scarcity impacting productivity, the challenge invites solutions that integrate renewable energy sources such as solar or wind with IoT-based smart irrigation systems. These systems should monitor real-time soil moisture and weather data to manage water use automatically. Submissions must address accessibility for remote farmers, cross-regional scalability, sustainable maintenance, affordability, and viable revenue models.
The Agrotech Space Hackathon and its associated panel discussion will offer insights into critical trends affecting agriculture, such as infrastructure innovation, investment flows, supply chain modernization, and digital inclusion in rural India. With its multidisciplinary approach, the event will serve as a catalyst for discussion, experimentation, and prototype development that align with scalable, sustainable agriculture practices.