R&D Reimbursement Scheme
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Quick Answer
The R&D Reimbursement Scheme by Goa Startup Mission offers up to ₹10 lakh to local Goan startups for R&D expenses, including salaries of PhD and Master Degree holders.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- Goa Startup Mission
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product
- Location
- Goa
About this subsidy
The R&D Reimbursement Scheme promotes innovation among Goans and local Goa startups by reimbursing R&D expenses including salaries of PhD and Master Degree holders employed by the startup. Exclusively available to LOCAL start-ups (startups in which at least 50% equity/share is held by one or more Goans continuously since inception). Governed under Goa Start-up Policy 2021.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Subsidy providers
Goa Startup Mission is the State's nodal agency for startup promotion, operating through the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa. It implements the Goa Startup Policy and manages a…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
What You Get
50% of R&D expenses, including salaries of PhD holders and Master Degree holders employed by start-ups, will be reimbursed for a period of two years. This is subject to a cap of INR 5,00,000 per annum, with the salary component not to exceed INR 2,00,000 per annum under this scheme. The maximum total reimbursement is INR 10,00,000 (INR 10 lakh) over two years.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Cohort size
- 100 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The Startup IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) reserves the sole right to accept or reject applications, and the benefits are not considered an entitlement. Applications for R&D expenditure must adhere to Accounting Standard 18. In cases where digital payments are not possible, the SITPC will make a decision based on its due diligence.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit the application form and all required documents through the official portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses are covered under the R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
The scheme covers 50% of R&D expenses, including salaries of PhD and Master Degree holders employed by eligible startups, for a period of two years.
What is the maximum reimbursement amount available?
The maximum reimbursement is ₹5,00,000 per annum, with a total cap of ₹10,00,000 over two years. The salary component within this cannot exceed ₹2,00,000 per annum.
Who qualifies as a 'Local Start-up' for this scheme?
A 'Local Start-up' is defined as a startup in which at least 50% equity/share is held by one or more Goans continuously since inception. A Goan is a person born in Goa, or with domicile for 10+ years in Goa, or their spouse through marriages registered in Goa.
Are there any specific employee requirements for salary reimbursement?
Yes, employees whose salaries are to be reimbursed must be hired for at least 12 months, hold a PhD or Master Degree (or equivalent from a Government recognized institute), and have their bank accounts linked to Aadhaar.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
