Rajasthan iStart Seed Grant and Voucher Programme: Financial Support for Success
Learn about the Rajasthan iStart Seed Grant and Voucher Programme. Discover eligibility, funding amounts, and the application process for startups in Rajasthan.
The Government of Rajasthan, through its flagship iStart initiative, is fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing crucial financial backing to early-stage startups. The iStart Seed Grant and Voucher programme is designed to bridge the funding gap, allowing innovative entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into scalable businesses without the immediate pressure of seeking private venture capital.
What is this scheme?
The iStart Seed Grant and Voucher programme is a financial assistance scheme managed by the Department of Information Technology & Communication (DoIT&C). It provides equity-free seed funding and reimbursement-based vouchers to startups at various stages—from ideation to MVP (Minimum Viable Product). The programme is aimed at incentivizing local talent to build solutions within Rajasthan, contributing to the state's economic growth.
Who is eligible?
- The startup must be registered under the iStart Rajasthan program and have a valid QRate ranking.
- The entity must be registered in Rajasthan as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.
- Startups must fall under the definition of a 'startup' as per the Rajasthan Startup Policy.
- The founders must be residents of Rajasthan or the business must have significant operations within the state.
- For specific student categories, the applicant must be currently enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Rajasthan.
How much money?
The funding varies by category: Seed Grant up to ₹5 Lakhs for early stage, and survival grants or monthly sustenance allowances starting from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per month for a set duration. Equity-based funding for scale-up can reach higher limits as per latest notification, verify on official portal.
Documents needed
- Certificate of Incorporation or Registration
- Company PAN Card
- Founder(s) Aadhaar and PAN Card
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Plan
- QRate Assessment Scorecard
- Bank Account details (cancelled cheque)
- Proof of Registered Office in Rajasthan
How to apply (step by step)
- Register your startup on the official iStart Rajasthan portal.
- Complete the QRate assessment process to receive a ranking (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Signature).
- Log in to the iStart dashboard and navigate to the 'Apply for Funding' section.
- Upload the required business plan, financial projections, and mandatory documents.
- Pitch your startup before the Evaluation Committee if shortlisted.
- Upon approval, receive the funds via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the startup's bank account.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window | Open throughout the year |
| Evaluation Cycle | Quarterly or as per latest notification, verify on official portal |
Conclusion
The Rajasthan iStart Seed Grant and Voucher programme stands as a pillar for grassroots innovation in India. By providing not just capital, but also mentorship and a platform to connect with investors, Rajasthan is ensuring that its founders have the tools needed to compete globally. If you are a founder in Rajasthan, this is an opportunity to fuel your mission with government-backed support.
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