SARTHI FMCIII Incubation 2026-27, Pune
Under Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative by Marathwada Mitra Mandals College of Engineering
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Quick Answer
A one-year incubation program at FMCIII, Pune, offering a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, mentorship, and incubation space for Maharashtra-based Maratha/Kunbi community entrepreneurs with innovative tech ideas.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Application deadline
- 10d — 15 Oct 2026
- Location
- Maharashtra
About this grant
The Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative, hosted at the Foundation for Make It Happen Center for Invention Innovation Incubation (FMCIII) in Pune, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within specific communities in Maharashtra. Operated in collaboration with SARTHI, an autonomous institute of the Government of Maharashtra, this program is designed to support 10 new entrepreneurs at each of its 13 incubation centres. The initiative provides comprehensive guidance and essential facilities to help selected individuals transform their entrepreneurial ideas into scalable technology businesses within a year.
The program's core objective is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs from the Maratha, Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, and Maratha-Kunbi categories by offering a structured environment for growth. Participants benefit from dedicated incubation space, opportunities to expand their professional networks, and strategic guidance from experienced mentors. This support system is crucial for navigating the challenges of early-stage startup development and successfully bringing innovative technology solutions to market.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
FMCIII is an initiative by Marathwada Mitramandal, in collaboration with Tata Technologies Ltd. and Science & Technology Park, serving as a dynamic platform to ignite innovation and empower the future. It provides an ideal environment for startups to thrive in Pune, offering…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Monthly stipend
- ₹25,000/month
- Fund type
- Fellowship
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected entrepreneurs will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for one year, totaling ₹3,00,000, to support their living expenses and initial venture development. Beyond financial aid, the program offers dedicated incubation space at FMCIII in Pune, providing a conducive environment for innovation and collaboration. Participants will benefit from extensive networking opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem and receive guidance from experienced mentors on crucial aspects like business strategy and market insights. This holistic support aims to accelerate the development of technology business ideas into scalable startups.
- Disbursement
- Monthly Stipend
- Duration
- 12 months
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on the detailed business plan, investment proposal, and presentation submitted by candidates. The selection committee will assess the scalability and technological innovation of the proposed business idea, as well as the applicant's commitment to full-time venture development. Selection will also consider adherence to the specific eligibility criteria, including community background and income limits.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants must complete the online application form and upload all necessary documents by the specified deadline.
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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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the SARTHI Incubation Program?
The program is open to residents of Maharashtra belonging to the Maratha, Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, or Maratha-Kunbi categories, with an annual family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh. Applicants must be graduates, have a technology business idea, and commit to pursuing their venture full-time. Previous SARTHI beneficiaries are not eligible.
What kind of support does the program offer?
Eligible candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for one year, along with access to incubation space at FMCIII in Pune. The program also provides professional networking opportunities and guidance from experienced mentors on business strategy and market insights.
What is the duration of the incubation program?
The SARTHI Incubation Program lasts for one year, during which participants are expected to develop their technology business idea into a scalable startup.
What documents are required for application?
Applicants need to submit their birth certificate, caste certificate (or school-leaving certificate for Maratha), domicile certificate, annual income certificate/EWS/Non-Creamy Layer certificate, Aadhaar card, passport-size photo, nationalized bank passbook linked to Aadhaar, and degree certificate.
Which sectors are prioritized at the FMCIII incubation centre?
The FMCIII centre focuses on sectors including Internet of Things, AI/ML, Robotics and Automation, Healthtech, Manufacturing, Agritech, Design, Embedded, AR and VR, and Food.
Who runs the SARTHI incubation initiative?
SARTHI, Pune, an autonomous institute of the Government of Maharashtra, launched it. 13 partner incubation centres run it on the ground.
When is the last date to apply in 2026-27?
Applications close on 15 October 2026 at 6:15 PM. They opened on 24 September 2026.
How much do selected candidates get?
A stipend of Rs 25,000 per month for one year, which is Rs 3,00,000 in total.
How many entrepreneurs does each centre take?
10 new entrepreneurs at each of the 13 centres.
Who can apply?
Maratha, Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi and Kunbi-Maratha candidates who live in Maharashtra, hold at least a degree, and have an annual family income of Rs 8 lakh or less. You must have your own technology business idea and work on it full-time.
Can I apply if I got SARTHI financial benefits before?
No. Candidates who have received financial benefit from SARTHI before are not eligible.
Which documents do I need?
Birth certificate, caste certificate (or school-leaving certificate showing caste for Maratha applicants), domicile certificate, income / EWS / Non-Creamy Layer certificate, Aadhaar card, passport-size photo, bank passbook linked to Aadhaar, and degree certificate.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
