Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation: Sustenance Allowance
By Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat
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Quick Answer
A Gujarat government scheme offering up to ₹30 lakh in financial assistance for startups to develop innovative projects, covering prototype development, market research, and testing.
About this grant
The "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation" is an overarching initiative launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Active from August 7th, 2020, to August 6th, 2025, its primary goal is to stimulate economic growth within the state by fostering job creation, enhancing market competitiveness, and facilitating the introduction of next-generation solutions. This particular component, the "Sustenance Allowance," is designed to provide crucial financial backing to startups and individuals engaged in developing innovative projects. The assistance specifically covers essential expenditures related to prototype development, conducting thorough market research to validate product viability, undertaking rigorous testing and trial phases, and securing marketing and publicity support for participation in significant national and international events. This comprehensive support aims to de-risk early-stage innovation and accelerate the journey of promising ideas from concept to market.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Industries & Mines Department (IMD) of the Government of Gujarat is the state department that makes industrial and MSME policy. Its executive arm, the Industries Commissionerate, implements those policies, both the state's and the central government's, and runs the Startup…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The program offers significant financial assistance up to ₹30 lakh as a grant. This crucial funding is designed to support various critical stages of innovation and product development. It specifically covers costs associated with prototype development, including raw materials, consumables, hardware, software, professional services, equipment, and tools. Additionally, it provides financial aid for conducting comprehensive market research to ensure product viability, supports essential testing and trial phases, and offers marketing and publicity assistance for attending national and international events (excluding travel and accommodation). This holistic financial support aims to help innovative ideas reach the market.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications submitted through the online portal are typically reviewed by a committee comprising experts from the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat, and potentially representatives from approved Nodal Institutions. The evaluation focuses on the innovativeness of the idea or concept, its potential for economic growth, and the feasibility of the proposed project. Shortlisted applicants may undergo further assessment, which could include presentations or interviews, before final selection for the sustenance allowance.
Application Process
- 1
Register on Portal
Create an account on the Startup Gujarat online portal using your email ID.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the Sustenance Allowance scheme?
The scheme aims to drive economic growth in Gujarat by generating jobs, fostering competition, and introducing next-gen solutions through financial assistance to innovative startups and individuals.
What kind of expenses does the ₹30 lakh grant cover?
The grant covers costs for prototype development (raw materials, software, professional services), market research, product testing and trials, and marketing/publicity assistance for attending national/international events.
Who is eligible to apply for this assistance?
Any individual or group of individuals with an innovative idea, recommended by an approved Nodal Institution, is eligible. It is open to startups across all sectors and branches of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and healthcare.
Is this scheme open to startups that have already received other benefits?
Yes, startups availing benefits under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) are explicitly eligible for this scheme.
What is the application process for the Sustenance Allowance?
The application process is entirely online. Applicants first need to register on the Startup Gujarat portal, complete a common application form, and then, after logging in, select the specific scheme and fill out the detailed application form.
Is there a specific deadline to apply?
While the scheme is effective from August 7th, 2020, to August 6th, 2025, no specific application deadline is mentioned, implying applications are accepted on a rolling basis within this period.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
