Assistance to Enroll and Participate in Acceleration Programs — ₹3L Grant — Frequently Asked Questions

Selected startups can receive a grant of up to ₹3,00,000. The money is directed specifically at the costs of enrolling in and participating in an acceleration program recognised nationally or internationally, and it does not have to be paid back.

Any individual or group of individuals with an innovative idea or concept can apply, as long as an approved Nodal Institution recommends them. The scheme is sector-agnostic, so work in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, healthcare and other fields all falls within scope. Startups already receiving support under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) are also eligible.

No fixed closing date is set for this component — it runs on a rolling basis, so applications are accepted continuously. The umbrella scheme itself is framed to remain in force until 6 August 2025, so founders should confirm the live status of the window on the Startup Gujarat portal before applying.

The scheme does not list DPIIT recognition or MSME registration among its conditions, and it does not confine applicants to a particular type of entity. What it does require is a recommendation from an approved Nodal Institution, which acts as the main eligibility filter.

No. This is a grant, so the government does not take an equity stake and the amount is not a loan that has to be repaid. The support is non-dilutive for founders.

The funds are meant to cover the cost of enrolling in and taking part in a recognised acceleration program. That is the purpose the scheme is built around, and the benefit is tied to a startup's participation in such a cohort rather than to general business expenses.

Applications go through the Startup Gujarat portal. You first register with your email ID and verify the details, then complete the Common Application Form after logging in. Once inside your dashboard, make sure all required details are filled in, click the Apply Now icon, and from the list of schemes choose the Assistance to Enroll and Participate for Acceleration Program before completing the application.

Participation in an acceleration program brings mentorship from seasoned industry experts, exposure to advanced resources and technology, networking with peers and potential investors, and structured incubation support. All of this comes alongside the grant and is aimed at speeding up product development and market entry.

Yes. Startups already availing benefits under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy are explicitly eligible for this component, so an existing SSIP engagement does not bar an application. SSIP registration is not stated as a mandatory prerequisite for everyone else.

The Startup Gujarat Cell and the relevant authorities screen the applications. An approved Nodal Institution also vets the startup as part of the recommendation requirement, and the final assessment is understood to consider the merit of the innovation, the startup's potential impact and the suitability of the acceleration program chosen.

Assistance to Enroll and Participate in Acceleration Programs — ₹3L Grant is offered by Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.