Scheme for assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation: Seed Support
₹30 lakh total for prototype, market research & trials · Gujarat startups
Gujarat startups can receive up to ₹30 lakh in seed support for early-stage development activities including prototype building, market research, product testing, and attending industry events. This is part of the Gujarat government's umbrella startup support scheme under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Apply online at startup.gujarat.gov.in with a recommendation from an approved Nodal Institution.
About This Scheme
Gujarat startups can receive up to ₹30 lakh in seed support for early-stage development activities including prototype building, market research, product testing, and attending industry events. This is part of the Gujarat government's umbrella startup support scheme under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Apply online at startup.gujarat.gov.in with a recommendation from an approved Nodal Institution.
Full official description
The "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Effective from August 7th, 2020 to August 6th, 2025, it aims to drive economic growth by generating jobs, fostering competition, and introducing next-gen solutions.
The component "Sustenance Allowance", offers financial assistance to startups for developing innovative projects, covering costs related to prototype development, market research, testing, trials, and marketing/publicity assistance for attending national/international events.
Benefits
- Up to ₹30,00,000 total seed support
- Covers prototype development costs: raw materials, equipment, software, hardware, and professional services
- Covers market research expenses to validate product-market fit
- Covers product testing and trial costs
- Marketing assistance for attending national/international events (registration fees only; travel and accommodation excluded)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
At ₹30 lakh total, this is one of Gujarat's most substantial seed-stage grants — covering the full journey from raw materials and prototyping through market validation and trials. For a hardware or deeptech startup, this can fund your entire pre-revenue development phase.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Open to any individual or team with an innovative idea, recommended by an approved Nodal Institution
- Sector-agnostic: technology, agriculture, healthcare, engineering, and more are all eligible
- Startups benefiting from SSIP (Student Startup and Innovation Policy) are also eligible
- Not open to entities formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business
- Cannot be combined with other Gujarat government startup schemes
Exclusions
- Entities formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business are not considered startups
How to Apply
- Visit startup.gujarat.gov.in and register/log in.
- Prepare a detailed startup project proposal covering your innovation.
- Obtain a recommendation letter from your Nodal Institution.
- Submit identity proof and a declaration on non-availment of duplicate benefits.
- On approval, funds are disbursed in tranches for prototype, research, and testing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation"?
The "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Effective from August 7th, 2020 to August 6th, 2025, aims to drive economic growth by generating jobs, fostering competition, and introducing next-gen solutions.
What is the "Seed Support" component?
The "Seed Support" component offers financial assistance to startups for developing innovative projects, covering costs related to prototype development, market research, testing, trials, and marketing/publicity assistance for attending national/international events.
What is the maximum amount of seed support provided under the scheme?
The maximum seed support provided under the scheme is [?]30,00,000/-, subject to approval by the State-Level Empowered Committee (SLEC).
What types of expenses are eligible for support under the scheme?
The scheme covers expenses related to raw materials, consumables, prototype development, testing, trials, market research, and marketing/publicity assistance.
Are travel and accommodation expenses for attending events included in the assistance?
No, only fees and charges for attending national or international events are eligible; travel and accommodation expenses are excluded.
Can startups from any sector apply for this scheme?
Yes, the scheme is sector-agnostic and supports innovative projects in any sector or discipline.
Are startups benefiting from other Gujarat Government startup schemes eligible for this scheme?
No, startups availing benefits under other Gujarat Government startup schemes are not eligible for assistance under this scheme.
What role does the Nodal Institution play in the application process?
The Nodal Institution evaluates, validates, and recommends the startup's project proposal to the Office of the Industries Commissioner.
What happens to the proposal after it is submitted to the Nodal Institution?
After submission, the proposal is scrutinized by the Office of the Industries Commissioner and presented to the SLEC for approval.
Can a group of individuals apply for assistance under the scheme?
Yes, a group of individuals with an innovative idea or concept can apply for assistance under the scheme.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Detailed startup project proposal
- Identity proof of the applicant(s)
- Recommendation letter from the Nodal Institution
- Declaration regarding non-availment of benefits under other schemes