SARTHI Incubation at AIC IISER Pune 2026
Under Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative by AIC IISER Pune Seed Foundation (AIC-SEED)
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Quick Answer
An incubation program at AIC IISER Pune, supported by SARTHI, providing a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for one year to Maharashtra-resident entrepreneurs with a technology business idea.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Application deadline
- 11d — 15 Oct 2026
- Location
- Maharashtra
About this grant
The Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative, organized by SARTHI (Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute), an autonomous institute of the Government of Maharashtra, is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the state. This program, specifically implemented at the AIC IISER Pune Seed Foundation, aims to identify and nurture aspiring entrepreneurs with promising technology business ideas. SARTHI's mission is to empower individuals from specific communities in Maharashtra to translate their innovative concepts into viable, scalable technology startups. The initiative provides crucial financial support in the form of a monthly stipend, coupled with comprehensive incubation services, guidance, and access to necessary facilities. By supporting new entrepreneurs at various incubation centres across the state, SARTHI contributes to the economic development and technological advancement of Maharashtra, ensuring that local talent receives the necessary resources to thrive in the competitive startup ecosystem. This specific cohort at AIC IISER Pune will support 10 entrepreneurs over a year-long program, helping them refine their business plans, develop prototypes, and prepare for market entry.
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
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Monthly stipend
- ₹25,000/month
- Fund type
- Fellowship
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The SARTHI Incubation Program provides a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 to eligible candidates for a duration of one year, totaling ₹3,00,000. This financial support is designed to cover living expenses and initial venture development costs, allowing founders to dedicate themselves full-time to their startup. Beyond the monetary benefit, participants gain access to the state-of-the-art incubation facilities at AIC IISER Pune Seed Foundation. This includes essential infrastructure, expert mentorship from industry leaders and academics, and strategic guidance on business plan development, investment proposals, and technology commercialization. The program also offers networking opportunities and a supportive environment to transform innovative technology ideas into scalable businesses.
- Disbursement
- Monthly Stipend
- Duration
- 12 months
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the SARTHI Incubation Program is rigorous, focusing on identifying promising entrepreneurs with high-potential technology business ideas. Applications are initially screened against the specific eligibility criteria, including residency in Maharashtra, caste category, family income, and educational qualifications. Following this, proposals will be evaluated based on the originality and scalability of the technology business idea, the completeness and feasibility of the formal business plan, and the investment proposal. Candidates may be invited for a presentation or interview round where they can elaborate on their venture and demonstrate their commitment to pursuing it full-time. The final selection will be made by a committee comprising representatives from SARTHI and AIC IISER Pune Seed Foundation, ensuring alignment with the program's objectives.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application with all required documents and your business plan/investment proposal through the online portal.
You - 2
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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 to apply for this program?
The program is open to residents of Maharashtra who belong to the Maratha, Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, or Maratha-Kunbi categories. Applicants must be at least graduates, have a technology business idea, and an annual family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh.
What kind of financial support is provided?
Selected entrepreneurs will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for one year, totaling ₹3,00,000, which allows them to focus full-time on their venture.
What kind of business ideas are preferred?
The program specifically targets entrepreneurs with a technology business idea that has the potential to become a scalable startup.
What documents are required for application?
Key documents include birth, caste, and domicile certificates, income/Non-Creamy Layer certificate, Aadhaar card, passport-size photo, bank passbook, and degree certificate. A formal business plan and investment proposal are also mandatory.
What kind of support is offered beyond the stipend?
Participants will receive comprehensive incubation support, including expert guidance, access to facilities at AIC IISER Pune, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help develop their startup.
Can I apply if I have received other government benefits?
You must not have received financial benefit from SARTHI previously. No other benefits are allowed during the program period, implying dedicated focus on this venture.
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.
