Startup Chhattisgarh is a transformative initiative by the Department of Commerce &
Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh, designed to position the state as a dynamic center
for
innovation and entrepreneurship. Startup Chhattisgarh has emerged as a dynamic initiative to
nurture entrepreneurial talent and promote innovation across the state. Under startup
package
2024-2030 the state aspires to support startups at every stage of their journey from
ideation to
scaling and also support incubators, academic institutions and other stakeholders through
various incentives and capacity development.
The state provides support to startups at different stages of life cycle. Sector agnostic
schemes
such as, Student Start-up and Innovation Policy provides support to start-ups at idea stage,
whereas
Chhattisgarh Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy aims for assistance for Startups/
Innovation
provides support to start-ups at seed funding and scale up stage.
Chhattisgarh Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy (2025-30)
The state provides support to startups at different stages of life cycle. Sector agnostic schemes
such
as, Student Start-up and Innovation Policy provides support to start-ups at idea stage, whereas
Chhattisgarh Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy aims for assistance for Startups/ Innovation
provides support to start-ups at seed funding and scale up stage.
Through this policy, the state envisions empowering its youth, harnessing local talent, and
encouraging
risk-taking and innovation at every level. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry,
investors, and government agencies, Chhattisgarh aims to cultivate a self-sustaining startup
ecosystem
that generates employment, boosts competitiveness, and contributes to the vision of “Atmanirbhar
Bharat”.
This Startup Policy thus serves as a cornerstone for Chhattisgarh’s journey towards becoming a
knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, ensuring that entrepreneurial spirit thrives at the
grassroots
and transforms the state into a powerhouse of ideas, enterprises, and opportunities.
Vision
To transform Chhattisgarh's startup ecosystem into a promising epicenter of innovation and
entrepreneurship, empowering local talent and inclusive economic growth.
Mission
Cultivating a vibrant culture of innovation and
entrepreneurship
Accelerating futuristic, social, and sustainable
solutions
Developing cutting edge technology infrastructure
Nurturing globally competitive skilled human force
Fostering impactful collaborations across sectors &
geographies
Operative Period
2025 - 2030
Scheme Eligibility
Recognized Startups, Incubators, Academic Institutions, Investors and Mentors
Available Assistance
Seed Funds, Interest Subsidy, Risk Free Loans and others
Up to a period of ten years from the date of incorporation/ registration, if it is
incorporated as a private
limited company (as defined in the Companies Act, 2013) or registered as a partnership
firm
(registered
under section 59 of the Partnership Act, 1932) or a limited liability partnership (under
the
Limited Liability
Partnership Act, 2008) in India.
Turnover of the entity for any of the financial years since incorporation/ registration
has
not exceeded one
hundred crore rupees.
Entity is working towards innovation, development or improvement of products or
processes or
services,
or if it is a scalable business model with a high potential of employment generation or
wealth creation.
Provided that an entity formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business
shall not
be considered a ‘Startup’.
Eligibility
To obtain State Startup recognition, an entity must fulfill the following conditions
An entity shall satisfy the definition of a 'Startup' as outlined in Clause 5 (1) of this Policy, or as per the latest applicable definition issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, including any subsequent revisions or amendments there to; and
The entity shall hold a valid startup recognition certificate issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; and
The entity shall have its registered office and having operations in Chhattisgarh to avail any benefits under this policy; and
The entity should not fall under the list of ineligible industries as per Annexure-3 of the Industrial Development Policy 2024-2030 issued by the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Chhattisgarh.
Startups operating in sectors or activities that are limited to replication of already established conventional business units shall not be eligible for benefits under this policy
A Startup must register itself with Startup Chhattisgarh to attain full benefit of the Chhattisgarh Innovation
and Startup Promotion Policy 2025-30.
The government of Chhattisgarh, is considering priority sectors as inclusive of thrust sectors provided in
the Industrial Development Policy 2024–30 and few more emerging sectors:
Thrust Sectors
Thrust sectors as identified in Annexure (II) of Industrial Development Policy (2024-30).
With emerging technologies (inclusive of but not limited to Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning,
Internet of Things, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Big Data, Blockchain)
Funding
Startups are funded to fuel innovation, solve real-world problems, and drive economic growth. Early-stage
support helps founders turn ideas into impactful solutions by reducing financial barriers. Funding also
encourages risk-taking, fosters job creation, and builds a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. It's an
investment in the future of technology, society, and opportunity.
About
Startups with women founders and special category founders will get 10% of seats reserved from state-supported incubators and an additional 10% on all subsidies and incentives.
Eligibility
A startup must have a woman or special category founder with more than 51% of the shareholding.
About
A grant of up to ₹10 lakhs is available for startups with a validated Proof of Concept (PoC) to develop Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Eligibility
To qualify, the startup must be incubated in a state-recognized incubator for at least three months and should have received a formal recommendation from the state-recognized incubator for the PoC.
Conditions
Seed fund assistance shall be granted based on the presentation by the startup and subsequent evaluation by the designated State Startup Promotion Committee.
The fund shall not be utilized for expenses related to construction, land acquisition, or building infrastructure.
This fund assistance will be extended only to eligible startups those are not covered under the Student Startup Innovation Policy (SSIP) 2025 issued by the Department of Technical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh.
About
This fund is backed by an initial ₹100 Crore corpus from the State to boost startup capital access. Through a co-investment model, up to ₹50 Crores will be matched with SEBI-registered AIFs, enabling a 50:50 partnership to support promising ventures.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
About
The State is launching a ₹50 Crore Credit Risk Fund to empower startups with collateral-free loans up to ₹1 Crore. By partnering with national mechanisms, this initiative offers guarantees that help early-stage ventures access vital financial support for scaling.
About
Startups shall receive a 100% interest subsidy on loans up to ₹50 Lakhs at a maximum interest rate of 10% for five years, in accordance with Notification No. GENS/1105/1/2025-COMM.&INDUS dated 25 April 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
About
National Events
Reimbursement of 50% of the expenditure for participating in startup-focused events within the country, subject to a maximum limit of ₹2,00,000 per year. This support shall be extended for up to three events annually, with the cumulative reimbursement not exceeding ₹2,00,000.
International Events
Reimbursement of 50% of the expenditure for participating in startup-focused events outside the country, subject to a maximum limit of ₹3,00,000 per year. This support shall be extended for up to three events annually, with the cumulative reimbursement not exceeding ₹3,00,000.
Definition of Startup-Focused Event
A Startup-Focused Event shall refer to events organized with the objective of providing startups access to market opportunities, funding avenues, networking platforms, and promoting the startup ecosystem.
Eligibility
Recognized Startups from Startup Chhattisgarh
Conditions
Travel limited to public transport, including economy class airfare. Claims for travel by private or premium modes of transport shall not be admissible under the policy.
In cases where payments are made in foreign currency, the application must be accompanied by a valid currency conversion receipt or documentary proof of the applicable conversion rate.
A maximum of two founders/directors/partners per startup shall be eligible to claim reimbursement for travel and participation fees for each event.
Only the charges incurred for stall/pod/booth rental at approved events shall be eligible for reimbursement. Expenses related to stall decoration, setup, or any other ancillary costs shall not be considered for reimbursement under this policy.
Startups availing this assistance shall be required to display the Startup Chhattisgarh Initiative Logo during the event to acknowledge the partnership and support received under the scheme.
Reimbursement of travel expenses will only be applicable for international events up to 2 members of the startup team.
About
Startup units shall get financial assistance through reimbursement of expenses up to a maximum of ₹3 lakhs per startup unit for advertising expenses incurred on digital advertising. Eligible platforms include Meta (Facebook/Instagram), YouTube Ads, LinkedIn, Microsoft Ads, Google Ads, or any other platforms as may be notified by the Department from time to time.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
A detailed statement of expenditure must be submitted along with copies of all receipts and invoices, issuing and clearly indicating the name of the startup and the date of each expense. Additionally, the startup shall submit its bank statement highlighting the corresponding payments made.
Startups availing incentives under this scheme shall not be eligible to claim similar benefits under any other State or Central Government policy. Furthermore, startups that have already availed similar incentives under any other State or Central Government policy shall not be eligible to apply under this scheme.
Startups shall be eligible to claim reimbursement for expenses incurred on digital advertising only twice during the policy period.
About
A performance-based incentive of 20% of the amount raised, up to a maximum of ₹10 lakhs. This incentive excludes funds raised through grants or angel investments.
Eligibility
Startups who raised funds from SEBI registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or Venture Capitalists (VCs) and recognized by Startup Chhattisgarh.
Conditions
Assistance shall be extended only upon receipt of investment from SEBI registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), or Venture Capitalists.
Startups raised investment from any of the state or central Government schemes will not be considered for this assistance.
The investment must be sanctioned and disbursed to the startup after the notification of this policy.
A startup shall be eligible to avail this financial assistance only once during its lifecycle.
The shareholding pattern of the startup must remain unchanged from the date of investment sanction to the date of submission of the assistance application.
The startup must submit its application for financial assistance within six (6) months from the date of receipt of investment/disbursement in its bank account. In exceptional cases, relaxation of the time limit may be considered by the Implementing Agency, subject to justification and approval.
About
If eligible you will be exempted from the requirements of prior turnover and prior experience provided under sub-clause 4.2 and from the submission of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) as provided under sub-clause 4.7 of the Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules, 2002 (as amended in 2025).
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As provided under sub-clause 4.7 of the Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules, 2002 (as amended in 2025).
About
100% exemption from stamp duty on the purchase of land/ leased land with a minimum 11 years of lease term. Startups will also get exemption from stamp duty on term loans for up to three years.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Official Notification No. एफ 10-40/2024/वा.क.(पं.)/पांच (16) dated 14 February 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
About
If you have workspaces leased or rented, you are eligible to receive 50% assistance on the rent/lease paid each month for a period of 3 years, subject to a maximum of ₹15,000 per month, from the date of issuance of the state startup recognition certificate. This reimbursement is also applicable for workspace/seat rental fees paid by startups in incubation centers and co-working spaces.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
Recognized startup units established or operating in Chhattisgarh will be eligible for reimbursement of 50% of the monthly rent, up to a maximum of ₹15,000 per month, for a period of three years.
Startup units working in the field of public welfare and startup units in the circular economy will be eligible for an additional 5% subsidy.
The rent agreement must be in the name of the startup entity.
GIS location/geo-tagged picture of the rented premises is required.
The rented premises should be commercially diverted.
Payments must be made through bank transactions and should be in sync with the terms of the agreement. Cash transactions will not be eligible for the assistance.
About
You may avail a subsidy of up to 35% of the fixed capital investment, subject to a maximum limit of ₹35 lakhs during the policy period.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
If you have received seed fund assistance/fund raising assistance and rental subsidy, it shall be adjusted against the eligible FCI subsidy.
List of eligible fixed capital investment items is provided at Annexure.
About
You are eligible for reimbursement of 75% of the expenses incurred for obtaining quality certifications, subject to a maximum limit of ₹10 lakhs, whichever is lower.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Notification No. GENS/32/2025-COMM.&INDUS dated 14 February 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
About
You are eligible to get 1% of the approved fixed capital investment, up to a maximum of ₹5 lakhs.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Notification No. GENS/32/2025-COMM.&INDUS dated 14 February 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
About
You are eligible to get 75% of the expenses incurred for obtaining a patent, up to a maximum of ₹10 lakhs in case of national and a maximum of ₹20 lakhs for international patents.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Notification No. GENS/32/2025-COMM.&INDUS dated 14 February 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
About
You are eligible to get 50% of the expenses incurred for technology purchase from government research institution, up to a maximum of ₹10 lakhs.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Notification No. GENS/32/2025-COMM.&INDUS dated 14 February 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
About
If you are creating over 10 on-roll, you are eligible for a monthly subsidy of ₹6,000 per female and ₹5,000 per male employee for Chhattisgarh domiciles for up to five years from the start of operations.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Notification No. RULE-5/5/2025/COMM.&INDUS dated 25 February 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
About
If you are offering permanent employment to differently abled individuals, retired Agniveer personnel, and surrendered Naxalites from Chhattisgarh, you shall be supported through a reimbursement of 40% of their net salary or wages, up to ₹5 lakhs per annum, for a duration of five years.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Notification No. RULE-5/5/2025/COMM.&INDUS dated 25 February 2025 under the Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030, issued by the Department of Commerce and Industries.
About
If you are a product-based entity, you are eligible for reimbursement for training stipends equivalent to one month's salary, or the maximum permissible amount per person, whichever is lower, for one-time training, for employees who are domicile of Chhattisgarh and earn less than ₹50,000 per month.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
As per Notification no. GENS-2101/1167/2025- COMM. & INDUS. dated 19 August 2025 of Department of Commerce and Industries, under Industrial Development Policy, 2024–2030.
About
You are eligible to get Environmental Project Management Subsidy if you are adopting technologies that reduce carbon footprints and generate carbon credits, subsidy shall be 50% of the machinery cost, subject to a maximum of ₹25 lakhs.
Eligibility
Startup Chhattisgarh recognized Startups
Conditions
To be updated
Idea Submission
At Startup Chhattisgarh, we believe that the best solutions often come from those who experience real world problems firsthand. Whether it's a challenge faced by a government department, a community issue, or a broader societal need — your idea could be the seed of the next big startup.
We invite you to share innovative, practical, and impactful ideas that address real-life problems. If your idea resonates with us, we’ll help you transform it into a startup by providing the mentorship, resources, and support you need to bring it to life.
This is your chance to:
Solve real problems that matter
Get recognized and supported by Startup Chhattisgarh
Prabhat Malik (IAS)Director, Directorate of Industries
Sanjay GajghateAdditional Director, Directorate of Industries
Suman DewanganDeputy Director, Directorate of Industries
State Level Startup Promotion Committee
The SSPC shall be responsible to evaluate and approve proposals, review and monitor progress, and
recommend best practices for effective functioning of incubators, startup funds and other policy
provisions.
Members of SSPC
Director of Industry - Chairperson
Representative of Director, MSME-DFO (As required)
Joint Director (Finance), Directorate of Industry
Joint Director, Directorate of Industry - Member Secretary
Representative of CHiPS (As required)
Two Subject Matter Experts (As required)
Representatives from Research and Academia (As required)
Representatives from Investment & Accelerators (As required)
Sectoral Industry Experts (As required)
The quorum of the above committee will be 5 members.
Incubators & Accelerators
Incubators and Accelerators
Incubators are like one stop solution for all the problems of early-stage startups. It Provides early-stage support like office space, mentorship, and resources. Connects startups with investors, advisors, and industry experts. Helps refine business models and product-market fit. Offers training in legal, financial, and operational areas. Increases survival chances by reducing initial risks and costs.
Plot no 48 , Near urkura railway station, Industrial area Bhanpuri , Raipur
Government Incubator
Tier 1
Tier 1 Government Incubator
The proposed new government incubator shall be provided a grant of 75% of their project cost, out of which the maximum limit for capital expenditure (Capex) shall be 40%. The eligible operational expenditure shall be distributed over a period of five years and released on an annual basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
The proposed incubator must be registered as a legal entity in accordance with Clause 5. (2) (i) of this Chhattisgarh Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy
The proposed incubator must have a minimum of 3 years of operational experience and should have conducted at least 3 incubation cohorts.
It must have functioned as an incubator/accelerator for a minimum of 30 incubates and should have facilitated funding support to at least 4 startup units Or
The proposed incubator shall be required to establish a formal collaboration or partnership with another incubator that meets the above-mentioned eligibility criteria.
The proposed incubator must have identified a minimum built-up area of 10,000 square feet within the state, with adequate facilities to accommodate at least 25 incubates.
Tier 2
Tier 2 Government Incubator
The Proposed incubators shall be provided a grant equivalent to 75% of their project cost, with the maximum limit for capital expenditure (Capex) capped at 40%. The eligible operational expenditure shall be spread over a period of five years and disbursed on an annual basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
The proposed incubator must be registered as a legal entity in accordance with Clause 5.(2) (i) of this policy
The incubator must have a minimum of 3 years of operational experience and should have conducted at least 3 incubation cohorts.
The incubator must have functioned as an incubator/accelerator for a minimum of 30 incubates and should have facilitated funding support to at least 2 startup units Or
The proposed incubator shall be required to establish a formal collaboration or partnership with another incubator that meets the above-mentioned eligibility criteria.
The proposed incubator must have identified a minimum built-up area of 5,000 square feet within the state, with adequate facilities to accommodate at least 15 incubates
Upgrade
Upgradation Package
Incubators established in the state will be eligible for the grant mentioned in Clause 972 of the policy if they increase their approved fixed capital investment by a minimum of 25% and increase their incubation capacity (number of seats) by 25%.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be an incubator as defined under Clause 5.(2)(i) of the policy.
Must have a minimum of 2 years of operational experience at the time of application.
The incubation center must have a seating capacity for at least 20 incubates and should have provided incubation to a minimum of 5 startup units.
Audited annual financial statements for previous financial years.
A qualified team must be available for mentorship, technical, and business support.
The incubation center must be a recognized incubator under any scheme of the Central/State.
Any additional criteria may be decided by the Nodal Department
Event
Event Organization Assistance
Recognized incubators based in Chhattisgarh shall be eligible for financial assistance of ₹1 lakh per
event for organizing state -level programs related to startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This support is subject to a maximum annual limit of ₹4 lakhs per incubator, and the assistance provided
shall not exceed the actual contribution made by the incubator towards the event.
Private Incubator
Tier 1
Tier 1 Private Incubator
The proposed incubators will be provided a grant of 50% of their project cost, subject to a maximum limit of ₹3 crore. Within this, the maximum limit for capital expenditure (Capex) will be 40%. The eligible operational expenditure (Opex) will be distributed over a period of 5 years and disbursed on an annual basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
The proposed incubator must be registered as a legal entity in accordance with Clause 5.(2) (i) of this policy
The proposed incubator must have a minimum of 3 years of operational experience as an incubator.
The proposed incubator must have conducted at least 5 incubation cohorts and must have worked as an incubator for a minimum of 50 incubates and as an accelerator for at least 10 startups.
The incubator must have facilitated funding support for at least 5 startups in last 3 years through government schemes, angel funds, or venture capital Or
The proposed incubator shall be required to establish a formal collaboration or partnership with another incubator that meets the above-mentioned eligibility criteria.
The proposed incubator must have identified a minimum built-up area of 10,000 square feet within the state, with adequate facilities to accommodate at least 25 incubates.
Tier 2
Tier 2 Private Incubator
The proposed incubators will be provided a grant of 50% of their project cost, subject to a maximum limit of ₹2 crore. Within this, the maximum limit for capital expenditure (Capex) will be 40%. The eligible operational expenditure (Opex) will be distributed over a period of 5 years and disbursed on an annual basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
The proposed incubator must be registered as a legal entity in accordance with Clause 5. (2) (i) of this policy
The incubator must have a minimum of 3 years of operational experience as an incubator.
The incubator must have conducted at least 3 incubation cohorts and must have worked with 30 incubates as an incubator.
The Incubator must have supported at least 2 startups in securing investments through government schemes, angel funds, or venture capital in the past three years or
The proposed incubator shall be required to establish a formal collaboration or partnership with another incubator that meets the above-mentioned eligibility criteria.
The proposed incubator must have identified a minimum built-up area of 5,000 square feet within the state, with adequate facilities to accommodate at least 15 incubates. The proposed incubator must be registered as a legal entity in accordance with Clause 7.3 of this policy
Upgrade
Upgradation Assistance to Incubators
Incubators established in the state will be eligible for the grant mentioned in Clause 7.2 of this Chhattisgarh Innovation and Startup promotion Policy if they increase their approved fixed capital investment by a minimum of 25% and increase their incubation capacity (number of seats) by 25%.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be an incubator as defined under Clause 5.(2)(i) of the policy.
Must have a minimum of 2 years of operational experience at the time of application.
The incubation center must have a seating capacity for at least 20 incubates and should have provided incubation to a minimum of 5 startup units.
Audited annual financial statements for previous financial years.
A qualified team must be available for mentorship, technical, and business support.
The incubation center must be a recognized incubator under any scheme of the Central/State.
Any additional criteria may be decided by the Nodal Department
Event
Event Organization Assistance to Incubators
Recognized incubators based in Chhattisgarh shall be eligible for financial assistance of ₹1 lakh per
event for organizing state-level programs related to startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This support is subject to a maximum annual limit of ₹4 lakhs per incubator, and the assistance provided
shall not exceed the actual contribution made by the incubator towards the event.
Accelerate
Acceleration Program Assistance
Incubation centers will be given reimbursement of expenses up to a maximum of ₹15 lakh for the event if they provide support to startups in the development phase through incubation centers, for organizing an acceleration program (cohort) for a minimum duration of 8 weeks.
Eligibility Criteria:
For this purpose, incubation centers must obtain prior approval from the nodal department, and the funds will be distributed only based on actual expenditure and achievement of approved targets.
Only incubators recognized by the state government will be eligible for this grant.
The proposed program must be at least 8 weeks long, include a minimum of 10 development stage startups, have a fixed curriculum, and have defined outcomes.
Mentorship
Mentors
Chhattisgarh aims to provide best mentorship to the startups because Startups need mentors for invaluable industry insights, access to crucial networks, and help avoiding costly mistakes.
Mentors provide a sounding board for strategic decisions and offer crucial emotional support through the
challenging startup journey. They help build founder confidence, accelerate growth, and improve a startup's
overall chances of long-term success.
Each eligible College Innovation Startup Cell (CISC) shall be provided with operational support of up to ₹5
lakhs per year, aimed at facilitating activities such as ideation, prototyping, mentoring, startup outreach, and
innovation challenges.
Eligibility Criteria:
The CISC must be established within a state/central Government affiliate or recognized educational institutes (Higher/Technical) located in Chhattisgarh.
The institution must have a functional innovation or entrepreneurship development cell or demonstrate commitment to startup promotion through prior activities.
The CISC must submit a yearly action plan outlining proposed activities, budget utilization, and expected outcomes.
The institution must commit to matching the operational support through its own resources or partnerships.
The CISC must maintain records of student participation, startup outcomes, and submit biannual progress reports to the Implementing Agency.
