UP Grand Challenges Grant
By Government of Uttar Pradesh
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Uttar Pradesh awards up to ₹3 crore in grant-in-aid to scaling-stage startups picked through an open Grand Challenge.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3 Cr
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Government of Uttar Pradesh
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Revenue
- Location
- Uttar Pradesh
About this competition
Under the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2026, the state runs Grand Challenges: open, competitive calls in which scaling-stage startups are evaluated on merit and the winners receive grant-in-aid.
The policy sets the ceiling at INR 3 crores per supported startup. Challenges are organised by the State Government from time to time, each under its own prescribed guidelines, so the theme, the sectors invited and the number of winners vary by round.
Because selection runs through an open evaluation process rather than a standing application window, watch the UP Startup Mission portal for the guidelines of each individual challenge.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
The Government of Uttar Pradesh is the state government of India's most populous state and a rapidly growing economic and entrepreneurial force. Through its IT & Electronics department and the UP Startup Policy, the state has committed to building a large, distributed startup…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹3 Cr
What You Get
Grant-in-aid of up to ₹3 crore per startup, awarded through a competitive Grand Challenge. The amount is non-repayable and takes no equity. The policy does not fix a floor, so what a winner receives depends on the guidelines of the specific challenge and the evaluation committee's decision.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Startups are selected on merit through an open and transparent evaluation process, conducted in accordance with the guidelines prescribed for each Grand Challenge.
Application Process
- 1
Register on StartinUP
Obtain state recognition on the UP Startup Mission portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a startup receive?
The policy allows financial support of up to INR 3 crores through the competitive grant-in-aid mechanism. It does not state a minimum.
Which startups are eligible?
Scaling-stage startups, selected on merit through an open and transparent evaluation process.
Do I give up equity?
No. This is grant-in-aid, not an investment.
When can I apply?
Grand Challenges are organised by the State Government from time to time under prescribed guidelines, so applications open per challenge rather than continuously. Track the UP Startup Mission portal for live rounds.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
