SARTHI COEP Bhau Institute Incubation 2026-27
Under Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative by COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership
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Quick Answer
The SARTHI Incubation Program offers a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for one year and incubation support at COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation for residents of Maharashtra belonging to specific caste categories, aimed at building scalable technology businesses.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Application deadline
- 11d — 15 Oct 2026
- Eligible stage
- Idea
- Location
- Maharashtra
About this grant
The Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative, spearheaded by SARTHI (Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute), Pune, an autonomous institute of the Government of Maharashtra, is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the state. This program aims to identify and nurture aspiring entrepreneurs from specific communities within Maharashtra, providing them with the essential resources to transform their technology-driven ideas into successful, scalable businesses.
Each year, SARTHI supports 10 new entrepreneurs at each of its 13 designated incubation centers, one of which is the esteemed COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation in Pune. The initiative goes beyond mere financial aid, offering comprehensive guidance and access to state-of-the-art facilities crucial for developing a robust business. It's a structured program intended to cultivate a new generation of job creators and innovators, driving economic growth and technological advancement from within Maharashtra's diverse communities.
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
Provider
COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and LeadershipPune · Maharashtra · India
COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership The Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership is the startup incubation arm of COEP Technological University (formerly College of Engineering Pune), one of India's oldest and most prestigious…
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 a period of one year, totaling ₹300,000 over the program duration. This financial support is designed to cover living expenses and initial development costs, enabling founders to focus full-time on their ventures. Beyond the stipend, participants gain access to comprehensive incubation support, including expert guidance and mentorship from industry specialists, and access to the advanced facilities at COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation. This includes co-working spaces, lab infrastructure (if applicable), and a supportive ecosystem for building a scalable technology business.
- Disbursement
- Monthly Stipend
- Duration
- 12 months
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo an initial screening based on the submitted documents and adherence to all eligibility criteria, including caste verification and income checks. Shortlisted candidates' formal business plans and investment proposals will then be evaluated by a selection committee comprising experts from SARTHI and the respective incubation centers. Final selection may involve interviews or presentations where candidates elaborate on their technology business ideas and their potential for scalability. The program aims to identify 10 promising entrepreneurs for each incubation center.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants submit their detailed application form, business plan, and all required supporting documents online.
You - 2
- 3
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- 5
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 the SARTHI Incubation Program?
The program is open to residents of Maharashtra who belong to the Maratha, Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, or Maratha-Kunbi communities. Applicants must be graduates, have an annual family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh, and have not received prior financial benefits from SARTHI. They must also possess a scalable technology business idea.
What kind of business ideas does SARTHI support?
SARTHI specifically supports technology business ideas that have the potential to be developed into scalable technology business startups within one year. The program seeks innovative solutions across various technology sectors.
What financial support do entrepreneurs receive?
Eligible candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for a period of one year, accumulating to a total of ₹300,000. This stipend is designed to support the entrepreneurs during their full-time commitment to developing their ventures.
What non-financial support is provided during the incubation?
Beyond the stipend, the program offers extensive non-financial support, including comprehensive guidance, mentorship from experienced professionals, and access to state-of-the-art incubation facilities at centers like COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation. This includes resources for business development, networking opportunities, and a collaborative environment.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants need to submit their Birth certificate, Caste certificate (or school-leaving certificate for Maratha), Domicile certificate, Annual income certificate (or EWS/Non-Creamy Layer certificate), Aadhaar card, Passport-size photo, Bank passbook of an Aadhaar-linked nationalised bank account, and Degree certificate.
What is the duration of the incubation program?
The SARTHI Incubation Program has a fixed duration of one year, during which entrepreneurs are expected to fully dedicate themselves to developing their technology business ideas into viable startups with the provided support.
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.
