Neo FarmTech, one of the first startups incubated at MAGIC (Marathwada Accelerator for Growth and Incubation Council), has secured a place in the top 10 of the Greenovation Energy Challenge. Notably, their innovative pesticide sprayers caught the attention of global tech entrepreneur Bill Gates, who personally experienced their advanced agricultural technology at an event organized at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
Bill Gates not only observed but also personally used the Neo Solar Sprayer to assess its efficiency. This solar-powered sprayer offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative compared to traditional fuel-based sprayers. He also tested the Neo Bahubali Sprayer, designed for large-scale farming, which enhances efficiency and reduces labor costs. The demand for this product is growing in international markets as well.
Neo FarmTech’s journey
Neo FarmTech’s journey began in 2018 when its founder, Yogesh Gawande, was in his third year of engineering. His college project evolved into a full-fledged product under the mentorship of MAGIC. Industry experts Milind Kank, Sunil Raithatha, Prasad Kokil, Ritesh Mishra, and Ashish Garde provided strategic guidance, financial support, market access, and industrial networking.
Briefing the press, MAGIC Director Prasad Kokil highlighted MAGIC’s role in transforming a student project into a market-ready product. Through MAGIC’s support, Neo FarmTech connected with key organizations such as Social Alpha and CoE FASAL (STPI, IIT Kanpur, IIMCIP), enabling rapid growth. Today, Neo FarmTech exports its products globally.
Till date, Neo FarmTech has sold over 5,000 units, generated 100+ jobs, and achieved a revenue of over ₹3 crore. Expressing gratitude for MAGIC’s invaluable support, founder Yogesh Gawande stated that their success would not have been possible without the guidance and assistance provided by the incubator. Over the past two years, with the support of the Gates Foundation, Neo FarmTech has expanded its reach significantly in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, bringing innovative agricultural solutions to thousands of farmers. Maharashtra State Innovation Society also helped him in this journey, he added.
MAGIC Director Ritesh Mishra emphasized that Neo FarmTech’s journey is a strong example of innovation under the Make in India initiative. From a college project to recognition by Bill Gates, this startup has demonstrated its potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture through cutting-edge technology.
