Scheme For Assistance For Start Ups/ Innovation
₹20,000–25,000/month sustenance + seed support · Gujarat startups
A Gujarat state scheme (2020–2025) that supports startups at every stage — from early idea to pre-Series A — through seed grants, sustenance allowance, acceleration program support, and interest subsidies. Any individual with an innovative idea recommended by an approved Nodal Institution in Gujarat can apply. Register on the state online portal and then apply through a Nodal Institution.
About This Scheme
A Gujarat state scheme (2020–2025) that supports startups at every stage — from early idea to pre-Series A — through seed grants, sustenance allowance, acceleration program support, and interest subsidies. Any individual with an innovative idea recommended by an approved Nodal Institution in Gujarat can apply. Register on the state online portal and then apply through a Nodal Institution.
Full official description
The key objective of the Gujarat Industrial policy 2020 is to encourage R&D and start innovation and entrepreneurship. Hence, the new scheme is being introduced in order to support startups and innovation at different levels of the startup cycle. In view of the strategy under Gujarat Industrial Policy, the Government is pleased to introduce a "Scheme for Assistance for Startups / Innovation" which will come into force from 07/08/2020 and will remain in operation for a period of 5 years, i.e. upto 06.08.2025.
The scheme aims to give a further thrust to promoting startups and strengthening the ecosystem in the state, a task force comprised of leading stakeholders in the Gujarat startup ecosystem. Gujarat, owing to its inherent strength of widespread entrepreneurial spirit has gained a significant spot in the national startup ecosystem. The incentives to Startups under the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2015 have supported in the creation of a strong network of nodal institutions and several startups have expanded their operations/ products both at the national and international levels.
Benefits
- Sustenance allowance of ₹20,000/month for 1 year (₹25,000/month if at least one woman co-founder)
- Seed support up to ₹30,00,000 for prototype development, market research, and marketing
- Additional ₹10,00,000 for startups with significant social impact
- Assistance up to ₹3,00,000 to enroll in a nationally or internationally recognised acceleration programme
- Skill development assistance up to ₹1,00,000 per startup
- Additional 1% interest subsidy (up to 9%) on term loans under MSME schemes
- Pre-Series A funding available through Gujarat Venture Finance Limited (GVFL)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
A guaranteed ₹20,000-25,000/month for a year is real runway for a founder who hasn't raised capital yet — it covers basic living costs while you build your MVP. The extra ₹5,000/month for women co-founders is a deliberate incentive to diversify Gujarat's startup ecosystem.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Any individual or group with an innovative idea recommended by a Gujarat-approved Nodal Institution
- Open to all sectors — this is a sector-agnostic scheme
- Entities formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business are not eligible
- Startups already availing benefits under other Gujarat government startup schemes are not eligible
- Exception: SSIP beneficiaries can still apply under this scheme
Exclusions
- An entity formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business is not considered a 'Startup'
- Startups already availing similar incentives under other schemes have restrictions
How to Apply
- An eligible institution seeking Nodal status submits a proposal on the online portal.
- Once your startup's innovative project is approved/sanctioned by SLEC, apply for assistance.
- Submit a pitch presentation covering the problem statement, objective, and product/service description.
- Provide details on how the startup meets scheme eligibility.
- On approval, receive the sustenance allowance and/or seed support as sanctioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Objective Of The Scheme For Assistance For Start-Ups/Innovation?
Ans: The objective of the scheme is to encourage and support start-ups and innovative projects in the state of Gujarat.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Scheme?
Ans: Any individual, group of individuals, or registered companies in the state of Gujarat with innovative business ideas are eligible to apply for the scheme.
Is There Any Age Limit For The Applicant?
Ans: No, there is no age limit for the applicant to apply for the scheme.
What Is The Maximum Amount Of Financial Assistance Provided Under The Scheme?
Ans: The maximum amount of financial assistance provided under the scheme is INR 50 lakhs.
What Is The Duration Of The Scheme?
Ans: The scheme is valid for a period of five years from the date of implementation.
What Is The Application Process For The Scheme?
Ans: The application process for the scheme involves filling an online application form and submitting the required documents.
Can An Applicant Submit More Than One Application?
Ans: No, an applicant can submit only one application for the scheme.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Response After Submitting The Application?
Ans: The response time for the application varies and may take up to 30 days.
What Is The Selection Process For The Scheme?
Ans: The selection process for the scheme involves scrutiny of the application, site visits, and evaluation by the selection committee.
What Are The Evaluation Criteria For The Scheme?
Ans: The evaluation criteria for the scheme include innovation, market potential, social impact, sustainability, and financial viability of the project.
Can An Applicant Modify The Application After Submission?
Ans: No, an applicant cannot modify the application after submission.
What Are The Benefits Of The Scheme?
Ans: The benefits of the scheme include financial assistance, mentoring support, access to co-working spaces, and networking opportunities.
Is There Any Collateral Required For Availing The Financial Assistance?
Ans: No, there is no collateral required for availing the financial assistance.
Is The Financial Assistance Provided As A Loan Or A Grant?
Ans: The financial assistance is provided as a grant and not as a loan.
What Is The Repayment Period For The Financial Assistance?
Ans: There is no repayment required for the financial assistance provided under the scheme.
Can A Beneficiary Of The Scheme Apply For Other Schemes Offered By The Government?
Ans: Yes, a beneficiary of the scheme can apply for other schemes offered by the government.
Is There Any Deadline For Submission Of The Application?
Ans: No, there is no deadline for submission of the application.
Can A Rejected Application Be Re-Submitted?
Ans: Yes, a rejected application can be re-submitted after incorporating the feedback provided by the selection committee.
Is The Scheme Applicable Only For New Start-Ups Or Can Existing Businesses Also Apply?
Ans: Both new start-ups and existing businesses with innovative ideas are eligible to apply for the scheme.
Can A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Apply For The Scheme?
Ans: No, NRIs are not eligible to apply for the scheme as it is meant only for residents of Gujarat.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Pitch presentation with problem statement, objectives, and product/service description
- Details of the startup team and stage
- Business registration proof (once available)