Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups
A Government of Assam funding call offering up to ₹40 Lakh to innovative startups, with ₹10 Lakh grant-in-aid for Idea Stage teams and equity-linked incubation support for Prototype/MVP and Deep Tech ventures.
- Funding amount
- ₹40L (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- Department of Innovation, Incubation and Start-ups, Government of Assam (Government)
- Application deadline
- 3 Oct 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Assam Innovation & Startup Foundation (AISF) has opened its 2026 funding support call for early-stage ventures. The foundation operates under the Department of Innovation, Incubation and Start-ups, Government of Assam, and the scheme sits within the Assam Incubation and Startup Policy 2025.
There are two entry tracks. Founders still shaping a concept apply as Idea Stage; teams that already have something built apply as Prototype/MVP Stage. The award ceiling rises with maturity — up to ₹10 Lakh for Idea Stage, up to ₹20 Lakh for Prototype/MVP, and up to ₹40 Lakh where a Prototype/MVP venture qualifies as Deep Tech.
Capital is only part of what selected teams receive. They also gain incubation support, mentoring from experts, and introductions across the wider startup network, so a funded idea has a real shot at becoming a business that scales.
The window closes on 3 October 2026. Submissions are made through the online form on the Government of Assam startup portal.
Highlights
- Up to ₹40 Lakh in funding — the ceiling reserved for Deep Tech ventures at Prototype/MVP Stage
- ₹10 Lakh grant-in-aid for Idea Stage startups, entirely non-dilutive
- Prototype/MVP Stage support can reach ₹20 Lakh, with a possible incubation equity component
- Last date to apply is 3 October 2026
- Selected startups also receive incubation support, mentorship and networking
- Apply online through the Government of Assam startup portal
Who can apply
The call is open to innovative startups, and it is split by maturity rather than by sector.
- Idea Stage — for ventures that are still at concept level.
- Prototype/MVP Stage — for ventures with a working product or prototype already in hand.
Every applicant files under one of these two categories, and the category has to match where the startup genuinely stands. Claiming the wrong track can push an application out of the running.
One hard condition attaches to the advanced track: Prototype/MVP applicants must present and demonstrate a working product in person once they reach the evaluation round.
The programme is run by the Government of Assam, but the published criteria for this call do not spell out a state residency rule, an approved industry list, an entity-type restriction, or a DPIIT or MSME registration condition.
Incomplete submissions — or submissions filed under an inappropriate category — may not be taken forward for evaluation.
Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Applications for Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups are open and the current deadline is 3 Oct 2026. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
Support is tiered, with the ceiling climbing as the venture matures.
- Idea Stage: grant-in-aid of up to ₹10 Lakh. This is non-dilutive, so no equity changes hands.
- Prototype/MVP Stage: funding of up to ₹20 Lakh.
- Deep Tech Prototype/MVP: funding of up to ₹40 Lakh, the highest ceiling available under the call.
At Prototype/MVP level the money may carry an incubation equity component, decided after due diligence. The Idea Stage route is therefore pure grant, while the more advanced route can combine capital with a stake in the venture.
Non-financial support comes with selection as well. Selected startups receive incubation through the programme, expert mentorship, networking across the ecosystem, and access to resources that help them sharpen their business model and get ready to scale.
About the provider
Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups is offered by Department of Innovation, Incubation and Start-ups, Government of Assam, a government body. As a government-backed equity, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Selection runs through several levels and is competitive.
- Completeness screening. Each application is first reviewed against the guidelines. Only submissions that are complete and filed under the correct category move ahead.
- Expert committee assessment. A panel of experts evaluates the shortlisted applications in detail.
- Presentation and demonstration. Shortlisted startups are invited to present. Those in the Prototype/MVP track must physically show and demonstrate a working product at this stage.
- Final decision. The panel weighs innovation, market potential, team capability and fit with the programme's objectives before confirming its selections.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹40L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding can I get from this Assam Startup Funding call?
The maximum is ₹40 Lakh, and only Deep Tech ventures applying at the Prototype/MVP Stage can reach that figure. Other Prototype/MVP teams can receive up to ₹20 Lakh, while Idea Stage startups are eligible for grant-in-aid of up to ₹10 Lakh.
Is there a minimum amount I have to ask for?
No. The call does not fix a minimum award, so a smaller request is not disqualifying in itself.
Which startup stages does the programme accept?
Two — Idea Stage and Prototype/MVP Stage. You must file under whichever one reflects where your venture actually stands today.
Does the programme take equity in my startup?
It depends on the track. Idea Stage support is grant-in-aid, so nothing is diluted. Prototype/MVP Stage funding may include an incubation equity component, subject to due diligence. The call is therefore not entirely equity-free.
What is the last date to apply?
3 October 2026. Your application has to be submitted through the online form before that date.
Will I have to demonstrate my prototype in person?
Yes, if you apply at the Prototype/MVP Stage. Shortlisted applicants in that track must physically present and demonstrate a working product during the evaluation presentation.
Are there sector, location or entity-type restrictions?
The published details for this call do not set out a sector list, a residency requirement or a specific entity type. The one sector reference is Deep Tech, which is the category that can access the top ₹40 Lakh ceiling. The programme itself is run by the Government of Assam's Department of Innovation, Incubation and Start-ups.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
Neither is mentioned as a condition of this call, so DPIIT recognition and MSME registration are not stated requirements. It is worth checking the official application form for whatever is asked at submission time.
What information and documents do I need to provide?
You will be asked for complete details about your startup and its founders, your business model, the market validation you have gathered, the funding you need and the impact you expect to create. Mandatory supporting documents must be attached alongside that. Anything missing can push an application out of consideration.
How do I apply, and how will my application be judged?
Apply online through the Government of Assam startup portal at startup.assam.gov.in, choosing the funding category that fits your stage. After submission, applications are screened for completeness, assessed by a committee of experts, and shortlisted teams are invited to present. The final call rests on innovation, market potential, team strength and how closely the venture aligns with the programme's objectives.
Who is eligible to apply for Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups?
Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups?
Assam Startup Funding Support 2026 — Up to ₹40L for Idea & MVP Startups is offered by Department of Innovation, Incubation and Start-ups, Government of Assam, a government body. It is provided as an investment.
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