Scheme for assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation: Assistance to Enroll and Participate for Acceleration Program

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 "Assistance to Enroll and Participate for Acceleration Program", provides financial assistance to startups to enroll and participate in nationally or internationally recognized acceleration programs. This initiative is designed to support innovative projects across all sectors, enabling startups to access advanced resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

Exclusions
• Entities formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business are not considered startups under this scheme.
• Startups availing benefits under other startup schemes of the Government of Gujarat are ineligible.

Definitions
Startups (For The Purpose Of This Scheme)
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/13-GR_02092020.pdf)

Innovative Project
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/13-GR_02092020.pdf)

Mentor
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/13-GR_02092020.pdf)

Nodal Institution
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/13-GR_02092020.pdf)

Benefits
• **Financial Support:** Startups can receive financial assistance of up to ₹3,00,000/- to participate in acceleration programs.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - Any individual or group of individuals with an innovative idea or concept, recommended by an approved Nodal Institution, is eligible.
2. - The scheme is open to startups in any sector or branch of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, healthcare, etc., making it sector-agnostic.
3. > **Note:** Startups availing benefits under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) are also eligible.

Application Process
Step 1: Startup Gujarat Cell
Office of Industries Commissionerate
Block No: 1, 3rd Floor, Udhyog Bhavan, Sector: 11, Gandhinagar - 382010 Gujarat, INDIA.
079-23252588 / 1800-233-0616
[email protected]
Online

Startup Gujarat Cell
Office of Industries Commissionerate
Block No: 1, 3rd Floor, Udhyog Bhavan, Sector: 11, Gandhinagar - 382010 Gujarat, INDIA.
079-23252588 / 1800-233-0616
[email protected]

Required Documents
• Informative document of the acceleration program (brochure, leaflet, letter from host organization etc.)
• Details of fees to be paid for participating in the acceleration program – preferably on the letter head of the host organization
• Feedback report (as per format attached) within 1 month after attending the acceleration program.
• Undertaking

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation"?
A: 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.

Q: What is the purpose of the "Assistance to Enroll and Participate for Acceleration Program" component?
A: The "Assistance to Enroll and Participate for Acceleration Program" component aims to provide financial assistance to startups to enroll and participate in nationally or internationally recognized acceleration programs.

Q: What is the maximum financial assistance provided under the scheme?
A: The scheme provides assistance of up to [?]3 lakh per startup to cover the fees or charges for attending acceleration programs.

Q: Are travel and accommodation expenses covered under this scheme?
A: No, the scheme does not cover travel or accommodation expenses; it only includes fees or charges related to the program.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A: Any individual or group of individuals with an innovative idea, recommended by an approved Nodal Institution, is eligible to apply.

Q: Can startups from any sector apply for the scheme?
A: Yes, the scheme is sector-agnostic and supports startups from any sector, including science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and healthcare.

Q: Are startups availing benefits from other schemes eligible to apply?
A: Startups availing benefits under other Government of Gujarat startup schemes, except for the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), are not eligible for this scheme.

Q: What is an acceleration program, and how does it help startups?
A: An acceleration program is a structured initiative that provides mentorship, resources, and support to help startups grow, scale, and refine their ideas.

Q: What is the role of a Nodal Institution in the application process?
A: A Nodal Institution evaluates, validates, and recommends the startup's project proposal to the Office of the Industries Commissioner for further approval.

Q: Can a startup formed by reconstructing an existing business apply for the scheme?
A: No, startups formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business are not eligible for the scheme.

Q: Are student startups eligible for assistance under this scheme?
A: Yes, startups availing benefits under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) are eligible to apply for this scheme.

Q: What is the process for approval of a startup’s proposal?
A: The Nodal Institution evaluates and recommends the proposal, which is then scrutinized by the Office of the Industries Commissioner and approved by the SLEC.