SARTHI Incubation Program at NETRARIT Foundation 2026
Under Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative by NETRARIT Foundation TBI
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Quick Answer
A one-year incubation program in Maharashtra providing a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 and support to develop technology business ideas for Maratha and Kunbi category entrepreneurs.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Provider
- NETRARIT Foundation TBI
- Application deadline
- 11d — 15 Oct 2026
- Eligible stage
- Idea
- Location
- Maharashtra
About this grant
The Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative, hosted at NETRARIT Foundation in Sangli, is a crucial program designed to foster technology-driven entrepreneurship in Maharashtra. This initiative, backed by SARTHI (Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute), Pune, an autonomous institute of the Government of Maharashtra, aims to identify and nurture aspiring entrepreneurs from specific communities within the state. The program seeks to empower individuals to transform innovative technology business ideas into scalable startups.
Each of the 13 incubation centres under SARTHI's umbrella, including the NETRARIT Foundation, will support 10 new entrepreneurs. Participants will receive comprehensive guidance and access to essential facilities required to build and scale their ventures. The core objective is to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute to Maharashtra's technological and economic growth, ensuring that support reaches deserving candidates from the Maratha, Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, and Maratha-Kunbi communities. The program is structured to provide both financial sustenance through a monthly stipend and the necessary ecosystem to ensure business development within a year.
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
NETRARIT Foundation (NRiT) RIT-TBI is a Section 8 company funded by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), Government of Maharashtra, and registered with the Registrar of Companies, Government of India. Located at Rajarambapu Institute of Technology (RIT),…
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
This program offers a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 to selected entrepreneurs for a duration of one year, totaling ₹3,00,000. In addition to financial support, participants will receive comprehensive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals. The incubation centres, like NETRARIT Foundation, provide essential facilities and a supportive ecosystem to help entrepreneurs transform their technology business ideas into scalable startups. This includes access to resources, expert advice, and a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and growth.
- Disbursement
- Monthly Stipend
- Duration
- 12 months
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on SARTHI's selection criteria, focusing on the applicant's background, their technology business idea's scalability, and the comprehensiveness of their business plan and investment proposal. The process typically involves an initial screening of applications and documents, followed by potential interviews or presentations where candidates elaborate on their ventures to a selection committee. Final selections will prioritize entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong commitment to developing their startup full-time within the one-year program duration.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Submit the online application form with all required documents and your business proposal.
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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
What is the financial benefit provided by the SARTHI Incubation Program?
Eligible candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for a period of one year to support their entrepreneurial journey.
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, are at least graduates, have a technology business idea, and whose annual family income does not exceed ₹8 lakh.
What kind of business ideas are preferred?
The program specifically seeks entrepreneurs with their own technology business ideas that can be developed into scalable technology startups within one year.
What is the duration of the SARTHI Incubation Program?
The incubation program lasts for one year, during which participants are expected to pursue their ventures full-time.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants need to submit their birth certificate, caste certificate (or school-leaving certificate for Maratha), domicile certificate, income/EWS/Non-Creamy Layer certificate, Aadhaar card, passport-size photo, bank passbook, and degree certificate.
Is prior funding from SARTHI allowed?
No, applicants must not have received financial benefit from SARTHI before to be eligible for this program.
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.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
