Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers
A Maharashtra government grant that covers 50% of a manufacturing unit's R&D expenditure, capped at ₹30 crore and paid out in 10 equal instalments.
- Funding amount
- ₹30Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Dedicated R&D Fund is a grant window carved out of Maharashtra's Industries, Investment and Services Policy-2025 and run by the state's Directorate of Industries. It exists for one purpose: to make large-scale research and development affordable for manufacturers operating inside Maharashtra.
Manufacturing units that invest in innovation usually carry the full cost and the full risk on their own. This scheme steps in to share that burden, meeting a defined portion of qualifying R&D spending so that a company can chase new products, better processes and advanced technology without wrecking its balance sheet.
Backing this work is a deliberate state-level bet. The policy ties stronger R&D to higher technological capability, sharper global competitiveness and sustainable industrial growth across Maharashtra, and it is structured to lower the financial risk that makes pioneering research hard to justify.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed window a founder has to wait for.
Highlights
- Up to ₹30 crore grant, capped at 50% of R&D expenditure
- Only for manufacturing units based in Maharashtra
- Minimum R&D spend of 2% of annual turnover required
- Disbursed in 10 equal instalments
- Applications are rolling — the window is always open
- Run by the Directorate of Industries under the Maharashtra Industries, Investment and Services Policy-2025
Who can apply
Who can apply — the fund is open to manufacturing units that are based in Maharashtra and are actively carrying out research and development within the manufacturing sector.
A minimum commitment to research is built into the eligibility bar: a unit must show R&D spending of at least 2% of its total annual turnover. Units sitting below that threshold do not qualify.
On structure, the policy is framed for legally incorporated manufacturing enterprises. Private limited companies, LLPs, one person companies, partnerships and proprietorships are the typical applicants, provided they satisfy the other conditions as well.
No particular manufacturing industry is singled out. The scheme refers to manufacturing units in general rather than naming specific sectors, so the door is open across the manufacturing spectrum in the state.
Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers 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
Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
The grant meets 50% of a unit's total R&D expenditure, subject to a ceiling of ₹30 crore. Where the two figures differ, the lower amount applies.
- Disbursal happens in 10 equal instalments, which keeps money moving across the life of a long research project rather than landing as one lump sum.
- The money can go towards the costs of R&D itself — advanced equipment, specialist personnel and the process work that innovation demands.
- Because this is a grant, it does not dilute founders. No equity is given up in return for the funding.
- The unit is expected to carry the remaining share of the R&D bill, so the scheme works as co-financing rather than full funding.
- Applicants must already be putting at least 2% of annual turnover into R&D, which keeps the support pointed at units with genuine research activity.
About the provider
Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers is offered by Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers, 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
Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹30Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much money can a manufacturing unit receive from this fund?
The support is the lower of two figures: 50% of your total R&D expenditure, or ₹30 crore. So a project with ₹80 crore of R&D spend would be eligible for ₹30 crore, while a project with ₹20 crore of spend would attract ₹10 crore.
Does the Dedicated R&D Fund take equity in my company?
No. This is a grant, which means it is non-dilutive — you do not hand over any shares or ownership stake in exchange for the money.
Who is eligible to apply?
Manufacturing units based in Maharashtra that are actively engaged in research and development. Along with the location and sector requirement, a unit must show that its R&D investment is at least 2% of its total annual turnover.
What is the minimum R&D investment I need to show?
Your R&D spending must be at least 2% of your total annual turnover. Meeting this threshold is part of the eligibility conditions, and you will need to demonstrate compliance when you apply.
Is there an application deadline?
No. The fund runs on a rolling basis, meaning applications are always open and you can apply at any point rather than waiting for a fixed window.
How is the grant money paid out?
The approved amount is released in 10 equal instalments. This staggered structure is designed to keep funds flowing steadily through the lifecycle of a long R&D project instead of arriving all at once.
Do I have to fund part of the R&D myself?
Yes. Since the grant covers a maximum of 50% of your R&D expenditure, your unit is expected to bear the remaining cost. In practice the scheme works as co-financing for the project rather than covering it entirely.
Which types of entities can apply?
The policy is framed around legally incorporated manufacturing enterprises. Private limited companies, LLPs, one person companies, partnerships and proprietorships are the typical applicants, as long as they meet the other eligibility conditions.
Is the fund restricted to particular manufacturing industries?
No specific industry is named. The scheme refers broadly to manufacturing units in Maharashtra, which suggests it is open across sectors within manufacturing.
What documents and information will I need for the application?
Expect to provide detailed documentation of your manufacturing unit — incorporation details and financial statements among them — plus a comprehensive R&D project proposal. That proposal should set out the R&D objectives, the methodology, the anticipated outcomes and a detailed breakdown of the associated expenditure. You will also need to demonstrate compliance with the 2% of annual turnover R&D threshold.
How and where do I apply?
Applications go through the official portal or the designated department under the Maharashtra Industries, Investment and Services Policy-2025. The state's industry portal, including the MAITRI login at https://maitri.maharashtra.gov.in/login, is where you submit, and further details on the application form and required annexures are available there or within the policy document itself.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers?
Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers is offered by Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Dedicated R&D Fund, Maharashtra — ₹30 Cr Grant for Manufacturers?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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