Scheme For Assistance For Start Ups/ Innovation
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)
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 up or reconstruction of an existing business shall not be considered a 'Startup'. The startups which are availing incentives as a 'startup' in any other 'startup scheme' of the Government of Gujarat will not get incentives under this scheme. However, the startups/innovators availing benefits under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) would also be eligible to avail of assistance under this scheme.
How to Apply
For Approval/Sanction as Nodal Institution
Step 1: An eligible Institution intending to promote startups shall submit its proposal on the online Portal to register itself as a Nodal Institution under this scheme.
Step 2: The registered Nodal Institution shall apply to the IC office with requisites in the prescribed format, for getting approval/sanction as a Nodal institution.
Step 3: The applications will be scrutinized by the Office of the Industries Commissioner and after due diligence, they will be placed before the SLEC for approval/ sanction.
Step 4: On approval from SLEC, the Office of Industries Commissioner will issue the Sanction letter to accord recognition as a Nodal Institution. For Approval/Sanction of Startups:
Step 1: Eligible innovators/startups shall get registered on the online portal to avail of assistance under the scheme.
Step 2: The Registered Start-ups shall apply to Nodal Institution with requisites in the prescribed format.
Step 3: Nodal institutions shall evaluate, validate and recommend the startup project proposal to the office of the Industries Commissioner.
Step 4: The startup project proposals will be scrutinized by the Office of the Industries Commissioner and after due diligence, the startup project proposals will be placed before the SLEC for approval/ sanction. Note: The Detailed procedures for approval/sanctions of Nodal Institutions/ Startups, conditions, and guidelines would be separately issued by the Office of the Industries Commissioner.
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
- Component:
- Assistance for Seed Support
- 1. Pitch presentation with the following details:
- Problem statement
- Objective for the startup or innovation
- Description of product/ service
- How does it work?
- USP/Uniqueness of the product/service
- Target market and customers
- Competition analysis – key competitors, the advantage of product/ service over competition, etc.
- Detailed project cost breakup
- Tentative action plan for the next 3-5 years
- Revenue projections for the next 3-5 years
- 2. Evaluation matrix by Nodal Institution
- 3. Recommendation form by Nodal Institution (revised format is attached for reference)
- The following non-mandatory documents are desirable to be attached to the application form:
- 1. Technical feasibility/ product testing report/certification (if any)
- 2. Financial feasibility report/certification (if any)
- Assistance for Skill Development
- 1. Informative document of the training program (brochure, leaflet, a letter from the host organization, etc.)
- 2. Receipt of fees paid for participating in the training program
- 3. Certificate of completion of the training program, clearly indicating the name of the participants (founder/co-founders of startup)
- Acceleration Program
- 1. Informative document of the acceleration program (brochure, leaflet, a letter from the host organization, etc.)
- 2. Details of fees to be paid for participating in the acceleration program – preferably on the letterhead of the host organization
- 3. Feedback report (as per the format attached) within 1 month after attending the acceleration program. Please attach the following mandatory documents along with the feedback report:
- 4. Receipt of fees paid for enrolling and participating in the acceleration program
- 5. Certificate of participation (clearly indicating the name of the startup/ each participant)
- Assistance to startups having a significant impact on Society
- 1. Pitch presentation with the following details:
- Social issue that a startup intends to address
- Mission of the startup
- Vision of the startup
- Details of the stakeholders who benefited from the social impact generated by the startup
- Describe the measurable social impact generated by the startup. You must support it with photographs, interviews/testimonials of stakeholders/beneficiaries, recognitions or achievements, etc.
- Describe the non-measurable social impact generated by the startup. You must support it with photographs, interviews/testimonials of stakeholders/beneficiaries, recognitions or achievements, etc.
- 2. Evaluation matrix by Nodal Institution
- 3. Recommendation form by Nodal Institution (format is attached for reference)