ASTRA (A Section 8 Company) established at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad since 2021. ASTRA is granted with the KAN program of Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN), supported by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), Karnataka Innovation & Technology Society (KITS) and the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology & Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.

KAN focuses on accelerating startups from the Beyond Bengaluru (HDB Cluster) region in AgriTech, FinTech, and Agri-FinTech domains.

The programme, operated in coordination with GINSERV, Bangalore (Mentor Accelerator) and ASTRA, UAS Dharwad (Mentee Accelerator), driving innovation-led growth and regional entrepreneurship

The first cohort has been successfully concluded with 19 innovative startups from January to October 2025. The  first cohort generated ₹2.3 crore in revenue, raised ₹2.32 crore in funding, created over 20 jobs and directly benefited more than 800 farmers.

The programme focuses on need assessment, mentorship, and developing capabilities for funding opportunities. KAN is designed to support growth-stage startups across Karnataka.