Government of Gujarat Startup Scheme
Funding up to ₹30 Lakhs
Please refer to the official Scheme Guidelines issued by the Government of Gujarat before applying. If you have any questions, feel free to write to us at [email protected].
Purpose
- Facilitate the growth of innovative startups in Gujarat through funding support, mentoring, and infrastructural assistance.
- Encourage research, development, and entrepreneurship, helping new ventures progress from early-stage ideas to market-ready solutions.
- Strengthen the overall startup ecosystem in Gujarat by nurturing a pipeline of enterprises focused on job creation and economic vitality.
Who Can Apply
- Individuals or teams based in Gujarat with a novel idea or product concept recommended by a recognized Nodal Institute.
- Registered entities (LLP, Partnership, or Private Limited Company) that have not exceeded ten years of incorporation and an annual turnover of INR 100 crore in any financial year.
- Startups must be focused on developing innovative products, processes, or services that demonstrate high potential for employment creation or wealth generation.
- Nodal Institutes must be approved by the designated committee, equipped with infrastructure and a qualified team to mentor startups.
Who Cannot Apply
- Entities formed by reconstructing or splitting off from an existing business.
- Startups already availing incentives for the same purpose under another Government of Gujarat startup scheme (excluding those under Student Startup and Innovation Policy).
- Ventures that do not demonstrate a new or improved technology, product, or service.
Benefits of the Grant
- Grant of up to INR 30 lakh: Supports prototype development, professional services, marketing, and other critical startup expenses.
- Additional INR 10 lakh: Available for startups working on high-impact projects with significant social benefits.
- Monthly Allowance: Up to INR 20,000 for one year (or INR 25,000 if the startup has at least one woman co-founder).
- Incubation & Mentoring: Nodal Institutes provide workspace, business mentoring, and dedicated facilities, such as design labs or specialized fabrication areas.
- Interest Subsidy: Potential 1% extra interest subsidy (up to a maximum of 9% on eligible term loans).
- Access to Acceleration Programs: Financial support for recognized national and international accelerator participation.
Approved Usage of Funds
- Product development, including purchase of raw materials, consumables, and related software/hardware.
- Testing and trials, including prototyping or pilot runs for commercialization viability.
- Market research and marketing activities, such as event participation fees to showcase products.
- Professional services, covering design, engineering, and consultancy relevant to product or service refinement.
Prohibited Usage of Funds
- Personal travel, accommodation, or any general living expenses beyond the permitted sustenance allowance.
- Repayment of existing loans or commitments not related to current innovation activities.
- Expenses that do not directly contribute to prototype development or commercialization (e.g., unrelated infrastructure or personal asset creation).
Terms and Conditions
- The scheme is valid for five years from its commencement date, subject to any changes by the government.
- Startups must maintain active engagement with their assigned Nodal Institute throughout the duration of support.
- Only one grant support can be availed under this scheme; startups cannot simultaneously receive other state-sponsored startup grants for the same project.
- Final decisions on eligibility, fund disbursement, and project evaluation rest with the designated committees and the Office of the Industries Commissioner.
- Recipients must adhere to progress monitoring, financial audits, and any additional compliance requirements as stipulated by the granting authority.