Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program 2026: Apply by 31 Aug

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary objective of the Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP)?

RGEP aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young Science and Engineering graduates in Karnataka, encouraging them to pursue entrepreneurial careers, create jobs, and contribute to technological advancements and economic growth within the state.

What kind of financial support does RGEP offer?

The program offers a total fellowship of ₹3,00,000 per innovator, disbursed as a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for 12 months. This is an equity-free and non-repayable subsistence grant.

Who is eligible to apply for the RGEP Fellowship?

Eligible applicants must be Indian citizens with domicile in Karnataka, holding a 3 or 4-year degree in Science/Engineering, 30 years or younger, not currently employed, and not holding stakes in other startups. Their idea must be in the early ideation or prototype stage and not generating revenue.

Are there any restrictions on prior funding or existing ventures?

Yes, applicants (or their startups) must not have received more than ₹5 lakh cumulatively from any central/state government or private sector grants. They must also not be generating any revenue from any product or service and their concept must not have been introduced to the market.

What kind of support will I receive beyond the financial grant?

Selected innovators will be attached to designated Innovation Hubs, such as K-Tech partners. These hubs provide continuous progress monitoring, expert mentorship, and access to a network that supports transforming ideas into tangible products or services over the 12-month program duration.

What is the application and selection process for RGEP?

Applicants must submit an online application form including eligibility documents and a pitch deck. Applications undergo a Data Sufficiency check, followed by a Jury Evaluation where shortlisted applicants present their ideas in person to a panel from industry, academia, and corporates, assessed on criteria like novelty, impact, feasibility, and commercial potential.

The Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP) is a flagship initiative spearheaded by Startup Karnataka, designed to ignite and nurture innovation among the state's young and talented Science and Engineering graduates. This program represents a strategic shift from traditional job-seeking mindsets towards fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, providing viable career pathways and stimulating job creation within Karnataka's economy. By empowering nascent entrepreneurs, RGEP aims to accelerate technological advancements and drive innovation-led economic growth.

At its core, RGEP is structured to support 30 selected innovators annually through a comprehensive 12-month fellowship. Each innovator receives a crucial monthly subsistence grant, totaling ₹3,00,000 over the program's duration. This financial support is vital for helping innovators navigate the inherent uncertainties during the critical ideation and early development phases of their ventures. The program is designed to guide participants from an initial concept to the development of a Prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or Proof of Concept (PoC) that demonstrates clear business potential and market viability. Innovators are required to engage closely with designated Innovation Hubs, such as K-Tech partners, who provide continuous monitoring and mentorship throughout their entrepreneurial journey. This hands-on guidance ensures that participants receive the necessary support to transform their innovative ideas into tangible, market-ready solutions.

The selection process for the Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program is a two-stage rigorous evaluation. Initially, all received applications undergo a Data Sufficiency check to verify basic eligibility criteria and the submission of all required documents, including the pitch deck. This stage ensures that only authentic and complete applications proceed.

Following the initial screening, shortlisted applicants are invited for a Jury Evaluation. This involves an in-person presentation of their innovations and ideas to a distinguished jury panel. The panel comprises three members from diverse backgrounds, including industry associations, academia, and corporate sectors, bringing a wide range of expertise to the assessment. Each innovator is allotted 20 minutes to present their concept. The evaluation parameters are clearly defined and weighted: Novelty/Innovation (30 Marks), Potential Socio-economic Impact (30 Marks), Clarity of Problem Statement (20 Marks), Feasibility and Implementation (10 Marks), and Commercial Potential (10 Marks). This comprehensive assessment ensures that selected innovators possess not only ground-breaking ideas but also the vision and potential for real-world impact and successful execution.

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