The Scheme for Assistance for Startups/Innovation is an umbrella initiative launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. The scheme, effective from August 7, 2020, to August 6, 2025, aims to boost economic growth, job creation, and competition by supporting startups that develop innovative solutions with a significant social impact.
The component “Assistance to Startups Having a Significant Impact on Society” provides financial assistance to startups working on innovative projects that contribute positively to society.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched by: Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat
• Duration: August 7, 2020 – August 6, 2025
• Assistance Type: Financial support for innovative projects with a social impact
• Maximum Assistance: Up to ₹10,00,000 per startup
• Eligibility: Open to startups in various sectors, including technology, agriculture, healthcare, etc.
Benefits
• Financial support up to ₹10,00,000 for startups working on projects with a significant social impact
• Open to startups in any sector or branch, such as technology, agriculture, healthcare, etc.
• Non-sector specific: The scheme is sector-agnostic, benefiting startups in diverse fields
Eligibility
• The applicant must be an individual or a group of individuals with an innovative idea or concept
• The startup must be recommended by an approved Nodal Institution
• The startup should be sector-agnostic, with a focus on sectors such as science, technology, agriculture, healthcare, etc.
• Startups under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) are also eligible
• The startup must be developing a project with a measurable social impact
• Entities formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business are not considered startups under this scheme
• Startups receiving benefits from other Gujarat startup schemes are not eligible for this scheme
Exclusions
• Startups formed by splitting or restructuring existing businesses are ineligible
• Startups that are already receiving benefits under other Gujarat startup schemes are excluded from this scheme
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Visit the online portal and click on “Register” located at the top right corner
• Step 2: Enter Email ID and click Next. Verify the details and click Submit to complete registration
• Step 3: After registration, log in to the portal and complete the Common Application Form
• Step 4: Click “Sign Up” after filling the details
Application Process
• Step 1: Log in with the registered email and password
• Step 2: In the Dashboard section, fill in all the necessary details
• Step 3: Click on “Apply Now” under the Dashboard
• Step 4: Select the scheme and complete the application process
Documents Required
• Pitch Presentation with the following details:
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Social issue the startup intends to address
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Mission and vision of the startup
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Description of the product/service and its functionality
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Tentative action plan for the next 3-5 years
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Stakeholders benefited and measurable/non-measurable social impact
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Photographs, interviews/testimonials, and achievements supporting the social impact
• Technical Feasibility Report (if available)
• Financial Feasibility Report (if available)
• Evaluation matrix from Nodal Institution
• Recommendation form from the Nodal Institution
• Undertaking as per prescribed format
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the “Scheme for Assistance for Startups/Innovation”?
A: The objective is to support innovative startups that have a significant impact on society, fostering economic growth, competition, and job creation.
Q: What is the objective of the “Assistance to Startups Having a Significant Impact on Society” component?
A: To provide financial support to startups working on innovative solutions with a measurable social impact.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme?
A: Individuals or groups with an innovative idea or concept recommended by an approved Nodal Institution, including startups in various sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and technology.
Q: What is the maximum amount of financial assistance that can be received?
A: Up to ₹10,00,000 per startup.
Q: Which sectors can benefit from this financial assistance?
A: The scheme is open to startups in any sector, including science, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and others.
Q: Can an entity formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business apply for this scheme?
A: No, such entities are not considered startups under this scheme.
Q: Are startups receiving benefits from other Gujarat startup schemes eligible?
A: No, startups receiving benefits from other Gujarat schemes are not eligible.
Q: What role does the Nodal Institution play in the application process?
A: The Nodal Institution is responsible for recommending startups and evaluating their proposals.
Q: What happens after the Nodal Institution recommends a startup’s proposal?
A: The proposal is submitted for approval, and if approved, financial assistance is provided to the startup.
Q: What is the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC)?
A: The SLEC is responsible for the final approval of the applications submitted by startups after Nodal Institution recommendations.
Q: Can a startup that is part of the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) apply for this scheme?
A: Yes, startups under the SSIP are also eligible to apply.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the startup project itself?
A: The startup must address a social issue and demonstrate measurable and non-measurable social impact.
Q: Can a startup in the healthcare sector apply for this scheme?
A: Yes, startups in the healthcare sector are eligible if they meet the criteria.