About this programme
A comprehensive startup incentive programme under the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2020 that provides three financial supports to DPIIT/StartInUP-recognised startups: (1) Sustenance Allowance of Rs 17,500/month for 1 year to idea-stage startups; (2) Prototype Development Grant up to Rs 5 lakh to develop Minimum Viable Product; (3) Seed Capital/Marketing Assistance up to Rs 7.5 lakh for market launch. Additional 50% boost available for women, transgender, Divyangjan founders, or startups in Purvanchal/Bundelkhand regions. It is run by Department of IT & Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh (StartInUP).
A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
How it works
Startups must first obtain StartInUP Certificate through registration and document verification (3 working days). Sustenance Allowance is disbursed monthly to up to 25 idea-stage startups per incubator per year. Prototype grant supports MVP development. Seed Capital/Marketing Assistance is released in milestone-based tranches (40% upfront + 30% + 30% on completion of milestones and submission of audited utilisation certificates). Startups must commit Key Performance Targets for evaluation against second and third tranche releases.
Who can apply
DPIIT-recognised and/or StartInUP-recognised startups incorporated in Uttar Pradesh. For sustenance allowance, startups must be at idea stage. For prototype grant and seed capital, startups must demonstrate readiness for MVP development and market entry. Additional 50% incentives available for startups with women/transgender/Divyangjan cofounders (26% equity+), or those operating in Purvanchal/Bundelkhand regions, with EWS cofounders, or in priority sectors (rural impact, circular economy, sustainability, renewable energy, climate change).
How to apply
- Register on StartInUP portal at https://startinup.up.gov.in/crm/welcome/registration_new
- Submit Startup India Registration certificate, PAN/TAN/GST, Aadhaar, and Incorporation documents
- Receive StartInUP Certificate within 3 working days upon approval
- Apply for sustenance allowance, prototype grant, or seed capital through separate application forms
- Provide technology justification and project details for grant evaluation
Documents you’ll typically need
- Startup India Registration certificate
- PAN/TAN/GST documentation
- Aadhaar verification of founders
- Certificate of Incorporation or relevant registration document
- Business plan and technology justification (for prototype and seed capital)
- Project report with fund utilization plan
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
How do women and transgender cofounders get additional incentives?
Startups with women, transgender, or Divyangjan cofounders holding more than 26% equity receive an additional 50% boost on sustenance allowance and seed capital amounts.
How is seed capital disbursed?
Seed Capital/Marketing Assistance is disbursed in three milestone-based tranches: 40% advance payment, 30% upon first milestone completion, and 30% upon final milestone completion with submission of audited utilisation certificate.
What is the maximum duration of sustenance allowance?
The sustenance allowance is provided for a period of one year at the rate of Rs 17,500 per month to startups at the idea stage.
How long does the StartInUP registration process take?
Startups can obtain the StartInUP Certificate within 3 working days of successful submission of application and all required documents, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.