The Scheme for Assistance for Startups/Innovation, launched under the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020, aims to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and research through structured financial support. It is in effect from 07.08.2020 to 06.08.2025, focusing on providing seed support, mentoring, acceleration, and interest subsidies for eligible startups.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Financial assistance for sustenance, seed funding, certification, acceleration, and skill development
• ₹20,000/month sustenance (₹25,000 if woman co-founder)
• Seed support up to ₹30,00,000
• Additional ₹10,00,000 for startups with high social impact
• Pre-Series A support via GVFL
• 1% interest subsidy (max 9%) on term loans
• ₹3,00,000 support for acceleration program participation
• ₹1,00,000 mentoring support per startup (max ₹15 lakh/year per institute)
• 75–90% reimbursement for organizing promotional events
Benefits
• Sustenance Allowance: ₹20,000/month per startup; ₹25,000 if a woman co-founder
• Seed Support: Up to ₹30 lakh for raw materials, software, prototyping, testing, marketing (excluding travel/stay)
• Social Impact Support: Up to ₹10 lakh for startups with measurable social outcomes
• Acceleration Program: ₹3 lakh for nationally/internationally recognized programs
• Skill Development: Up to ₹1 lakh for training in soft/marketing/financial skills
• Mentoring Assistance: ₹1 lakh per startup (to Nodal Institution)
• Promotional Events: 75% reimbursement (90% for women-focused), up to ₹5 lakh
• Pre-Series A Funding: Via GVFL for revenue-stage startups
• Interest Subsidy: Additional 1% (max 9%) for eligible term loans
• Other Support: Access to labs, libraries, PSUs, CoEs, and infrastructure
Eligibility Criteria – Startups
• Must be recommended by an approved Nodal Institution
• Must be a new entity (not a split/reconstruction of an existing business)
• Sector-agnostic (open to any sector/technology domain)
• Should not be availing benefits under other Gujarat startup schemes (except SSIP)
Eligibility Criteria – Nodal Institutions
• Universities, govt-affiliated educational institutions, incubators, PSUs, R&D centers
• Must be registered under Section 8 of Companies Act as a not-for-profit
• Must have dedicated infrastructure and staff
Eligibility Criteria – Mentors
• Resource person registered under the scheme
• Must be associated/recommended by a Nodal Institution
Exclusions
• Existing businesses or entities formed through reconstruction/split
• Startups availing benefits under other Gujarat government startup schemes (excluding SSIP)
Application Process
For Nodal Institution Approval
• Register on the official online portal
• Submit proposal to IC office in prescribed format
• Scrutiny by Office of Industries Commissioner
• Approval by SLEC and issuance of sanction letter
For Startup Approval
• Register on the official portal
• Apply to Nodal Institution with prescribed forms
• Evaluation and recommendation by Nodal Institution
• Final approval/sanction by SLEC
Documents Required
For Seed Support
• Pitch presentation (problem, solution, USP, target, cost, projections)
• Evaluation matrix by Nodal Institution
• Recommendation form (revised format)
• Optional: Technical/product testing and financial feasibility reports
For Skill Development
• Training brochure/leaflet
• Receipt of training fees
• Completion certificate (founder/co-founder name)
For Acceleration Program
• Program details and fee structure
• Receipt and participation certificate
• Feedback report and supporting proof
For Social Impact Support
• Pitch deck (problem, impact, vision, testimonials)
• Social impact proof (images, feedback, interviews)
• Evaluation and recommendation by Nodal Institution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
To support and fund innovative startups in Gujarat through various stages.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
Innovators/startups recommended by Nodal Institutions in Gujarat.
Q: Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, but startups must be newly formed and not a split entity.
Q: What is the maximum financial assistance provided?
Up to ₹30 lakh as seed support, plus ₹10 lakh for social impact.
Q: What is the duration of the scheme?
Valid from 07.08.2020 to 06.08.2025.
Q: What is the application process?
Apply through the official online portal and route via Nodal Institutions.
Q: Can one submit more than one application?
Yes, but each must be for a unique and eligible project.
Q: How long does approval take?
Based on SLEC evaluation; timeline not fixed.
Q: Can an application be modified after submission?
Usually not unless specified; better to confirm before submission.
Q: Is assistance a loan or grant?
It is a grant, not a loan.
Q: Is collateral required?
No collateral is required.
Q: Can a rejected application be resubmitted?
Yes, with corrections/improvements if applicable.
Q: Can NRIs apply?
No specific mention; generally open to Gujarat-based individuals/entities.
Q: Is it only for new startups?
Yes, existing businesses or reconstructions are not eligible.
Sources and References
Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020
• Startup Gujarat Portal
• Walkthrough of the Registration Process
• Grievance Redressal System