Manipal-GoK Bioincubator has announced that one of its incubated start-ups, Krop AI Private Limited, has been conferred with the Best Startup Award at MES 2026.
The recognition was presented in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company; Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education; and Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal and Convener of MES 2026.
© Manipal GoK Bioincubator
Dr. Manesh Thomas, CEO of Manipal-GoK Bioincubator, was also present at the ceremony. His continued mentorship and strategic guidance have played a key role in supporting emerging agri-tech ventures within the incubator's ecosystem.
AI-driven hydroponics for climate-smart farming
Founded in 2021 by Calvin Aranha and Farish Anfal, Krop AI is focused on transforming Indian agriculture through AI-driven hydroponic farming systems. The company enables soil-less cultivation in controlled environments, helping growers produce high-value crops with significantly lower resource use.
© Manipal GoK Bioincubator
According to the company, its technology can reduce water consumption by up to 95 percent and lower operational costs by around 50 percent. The system supports year-round cultivation of crops such as lettuce, basil, kale and parsley.
Krop AI's scalable container farm setups are already being adopted by agri-entrepreneurs, with the company projecting an annual turnover of ₹3 crore. The start-up positions its work within the broader national push for climate-resilient agriculture and self-reliance, aligning with initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Source: Manipal GoK Bioincubator
