Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the grant amount?
The grant is up to ₹20,000 per project, disbursed as a single lump-sum installment.
Who can apply for this grant?
Indian citizens who are residents of Goa, including students, startups, innovators, research faculty, and entrepreneurs, are eligible. The project must be technology-based (hardware or software product innovation).
Is registration under the Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) required?
Yes, mandatory. Applicants must register as a 'New Idea' on the VIR portal before applying for the grant.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can only be used for prototyping materials (tools and materials) or for academic project costs. It must be utilized within the same financial year.
Is this a competition or a direct grant?
This is not a competition. It is a direct grant-in-aid scheme where the Advisory Committee evaluates and approves projects.
How are applications evaluated?
The Selection Committee of GSInC holds periodic meetings to approve projects. Decisions are communicated within 7 working days of the meeting.
Can final-year college students apply?
Yes, final-year college students from Goa are eligible to apply.
Do I need to be a registered company to apply?
No, unregistered individual innovators are also eligible. However, registered entities like Partnerships, LLPs, or Private Limited Companies can apply too.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need to submit an online application form on the VIR portal and provide project quotes to GSInC before the grant is released. Bills/invoices must be retained and submitted after the project.
How do I apply?
Apply through the Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) at goastateinnovationcouncil.com by signing up as a New Idea. The application is online and there is no fixed deadline.
How much funding does Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) provide?
Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) provides ₹20,000 (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
What is the application deadline for Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR)?
Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) runs on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline — applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Check the official site to confirm the window is currently open.
Does Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) take equity?
No. Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) is grant and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR)?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR), though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR)?
Scheme to Provide Grant In Aid for Prototyping Technology-Based Innovative Products under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) is offered by Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.