Women/Transgender Productization Grant
Under KSUM Grant Ladder (Kerala Startup Mission) by Kerala Startup Mission
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Quick Answer
Women/transgender-led startups in Kerala can get up to ₹5 lakhs to turn an MVP into a market-ready product.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹5 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Kerala Startup Mission
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product
- Location
- Kerala
About this grant
The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) offers this grant to women/transgender-led startups that are moving from a Minimum Viable Prototype (MVP) to a market-ready product. It adds to the standard Productization Grant.
You can get up to ₹5 lakhs, paid in milestone-based tranches under KSUM guidelines. It covers product development, validation and early market readiness. It does not cover founder salaries, fixed assets such as land, buildings or high-end equipment above ₹2 lakhs, rent or major infrastructure.
Women or transgender founders must together hold at least 51% of the shares. You need a valid KSUM Unique ID. The startup must be a Private Limited Company, LLP or One Person Company, active with the MCA, and in the Product Development stage. Startups that already received a KSUM Scale-up Grant are not eligible. The founder who pitches to the Expert Committee must be a woman or transgender person.
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
Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is the Government of Kerala's nodal agency for entrepreneurship development and incubation, and the body that implements the Kerala Technology Startup Policy. It was founded in 2006, having started as T-TBI, a business incubation centre set up by…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Up to ₹5 lakhs financial assistance, disbursed in milestone-based tranches, to cover product development, validation, and early market readiness expenses. Targets women/transgender-led startups.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Submit proposals via KSUM website. Initial screening by KSUM officials. Shortlisted startups pitch to an Expert Committee, evaluated on team, product, market, financials. Final approval by KSUM CEO/Chairman.
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
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
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 this grant?
Startups in the Product Development stage where women/transgender founders collectively hold at least 51% equity are eligible.
What is the maximum funding available?
Eligible startups can receive an additional grant of up to ₹5 lakhs, which is provided over the standard Productization Grant.
Is a KSUM Unique ID mandatory for application?
Yes, a valid KSUM Unique ID is mandatory at the time of application for this grant.
How will the grant funds be disbursed?
The grant is released in milestone-based tranches after agreement execution and submission of necessary utilisation and progress documents.
What types of expenses are not permitted under this grant?
Founder salaries, purchase of fixed assets such as land, buildings, or high-end equipment exceeding ₹2 lakhs, rent, and major infrastructure setup are not permitted.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
