Startup Grants and Funding Programs for Profit-Stage Startups in India — October 2026

As of October 2026, six active programs are available for profit-stage startups in India, encompassing grants, incubation support, and competitions. Notable among these are the various state-level patent reimbursement schemes from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, alongside Capgemini's Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) competition.

Funding for profit-stage startups typically focuses on expansion capital, intellectual property protection, and market entry support. Eligibility often requires established revenue streams, demonstrated market fit, and clear growth potential, moving beyond early-stage seed funding towards scaling operations and competitive advantage.

Active Programs for Profit-Stage Startups

Patent Assistance (Department of MSME, Government of Madhya Pradesh)

The Patent Assistance program, an initiative under the Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy 2022, aids emerging enterprises in securing intellectual property protection. This program is administered by the Department of MSME, Government of Madhya Pradesh, which supports micro, small, and medium enterprises, including the state's startup community.

Eligible startups can secure financial support up to ₹5,00,000 for patent-related expenses. This assistance directly benefits profit-stage startups by offsetting costs associated with protecting their innovations as they scale and enter new markets, thus safeguarding their competitive position.

Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (KBITS, Government of Karnataka)

The Karnataka Startup Policy offers patent reimbursement incentives specifically for incubated startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell. This program is managed by the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), a key agency under the Government of Karnataka focused on nurturing the state's technology and startup ecosystem.

Startups can receive reimbursement up to ₹10,00,000 for patent expenses. For profit-stage technology-driven ventures in Karnataka, this program helps reduce significant financial expenditures linked to securing intellectual property rights, allowing them to maintain focus on growth and innovation.

Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement) (KBITS, Government of Karnataka)

The Government of Karnataka, through KBITS, provides financial incentives to support startups' international marketing efforts. KBITS, a nodal agency for the state's IT, BT, and Startup sectors, aims to promote local innovations globally.

This program offers reimbursement up to ₹5,00,000 for eligible expenses incurred by startups participating in global trade shows, international conferences, and other strategic promotional activities. Profit-stage startups benefit directly from this by gaining support for market expansion into new international territories, a common goal for companies at this stage.

Haryana Startup Policy 2022 Patent Cost Reimbursement Scheme (Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana)

The Haryana Startup Policy 2022, led by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, and supported by Startup Haryana, fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. The Haryana Startup Policy 2022 Patent Cost Reimbursement Scheme is a financial incentive within this framework.

This scheme helps alleviate the financial burden of securing intellectual property. Startups in Haryana can receive reimbursement up to ₹25,00,000 for patent costs. This support is particularly valuable for profit-stage startups looking to strengthen their IP portfolio and protect their innovations as they expand.

Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) (Capgemini)

Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) is a program powered by Capgemini and implemented by BharatCares with SRF Foundation. It targets startups, social enterprises, non-profit innovation organizations, and individual innovators with solutions at the MVP or growth stage.

While there is no direct monetary funding, participants receive direct deployment opportunities to pilot and expand their solutions in target communities and geographies. The program offers strategic mentorship from industry experts, networking, and national visibility. Profit-stage startups focused on social impact can leverage ISGBB for scalability, mentorship, and broader reach, enhancing their impact and business model.

Odisha MSME State Awards (MSME Department, Government of Odisha)

The Odisha MSME State Awards program operates under the Odisha MSME Development Policy 2022. This annual award scheme recognizes, honors, and incentivizes micro, small, and medium enterprises demonstrating performance and contributions to the state's economy.

The awards provide financial incentives up to ₹1,51,000. For profit-stage MSMEs in Odisha, this program offers recognition and financial reward for their established success and innovation, reinforcing their market position and inspiring continued growth.

Before Applying

Careful attention to eligibility criteria is essential before applying. Several programs have geographic constraints, requiring startups to be based in Madhya Pradesh for its Patent Assistance, Karnataka for KBITS programs, Haryana for its Patent Cost Reimbursement, or Odisha for the MSME State Awards. The Karnataka Patent Reimbursement program specifically requires applicants to be incubated startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell.

All programs covered in this article currently have rolling or unspecified deadlines, indicating continuous application acceptance. However, for programs like ISGBB, which offer deployment opportunities and structured engagement, applicants should expect a multi-stage selection process after initial submission. Startups should prepare their applications thoroughly to align with each program's specific objectives and requirements.