Maharashtra Startup Week
A Government of Maharashtra grant program offering top startups work orders, mentoring, and access to government machinery to pilot solutions in state departments.
- Funding amount
- ₹15L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Maharashtra Startup Week is an initiative by the Government of Maharashtra, managed by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS). It aims to encourage, engage, and enable the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a platform for startups across various sectors to showcase their innovative solutions to the government.
From all applicants, the top 100 startups are selected to present their solutions to a panel of judges. Eventually, the top 24 winners receive work orders worth up to ₹15 lakh from MSInS to pilot their solutions within different state departments. Beyond the financial grant, winners gain mentoring and access to government machinery for up to 12 months, as well as exposure to investors, incubators, and networking opportunities.
The program is sector-agnostic but aligns with the Maharashtra State Innovative Startup Policy 2018. It focuses on startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and have a Minimum Viable Product ready for demonstration.
Highlights
- Top 24 winners get work orders up to ₹15 lakh from Maharashtra State Innovation Society.
- Winners receive mentoring and access to government machinery for up to 12 months.
- Open to startups from all over India that adhere to Maharashtra State Innovative Startup Policy 2018.
- Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and be ready to demonstrate Proof of Concept.
- Eligible entities: private limited company, partnership firm, or LLP in India.
- Turnover must not exceed ₹25 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
Who can apply
Startups from across India that conform to the Maharashtra State Innovative Startup Policy 2018 are eligible. They must be registered in India as a private limited company, partnership firm, or limited liability partnership (LLP). The startup should have been incorporated/registered within the last seven years (or up to ten years for biotechnology and/or social sector startups). Annual turnover must not exceed ₹25 crore in any financial year since incorporation. The startup must be working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products, processes, or services, or a scalable business model with high potential for employment or wealth creation. Importantly, the startup must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and be ready to demonstrate a Proof of Concept — idea-stage ventures are not eligible.
Maharashtra Startup Week 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
Maharashtra Startup Week 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 top 24 winners receive work orders up to ₹15 lakh from the Maharashtra State Innovation Society to pilot their solutions within different state departments. Additionally, they receive mentoring and access to government machinery for up to 12 months. Participating startups also gain access to investors, incubators, networking opportunities, and other benefits.
About the provider
Maharashtra Startup Week is offered by Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), a government body. As a government-backed grant, 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 official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Startups submit their applications. From the pool, the top 100 startups are selected to present their solutions to a panel of judges. The panel then chooses the top 24 winners who receive work orders and the associated benefits.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Maharashtra Startup Week, 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
Maharashtra Startup Week is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹15L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered under Maharashtra Startup Week?
The top 24 winners receive work orders worth up to ₹15 lakh to pilot their solutions in state departments.
What is the application deadline for Maharashtra Startup Week?
The program deadline is not specified in the available information. As of 2025, applications are closed.
Who can apply for Maharashtra Startup Week?
Startups from anywhere in India that conform to the Maharashtra State Innovative Startup Policy 2018 can apply. They must be registered as a private limited company, partnership firm, or LLP, incorporated within the last seven years (or ten years for biotech/social sector), with turnover not exceeding ₹25 crore, and have a Minimum Viable Product ready.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required to apply?
The eligibility criteria do not explicitly mention DPIIT or MSME registration. However, startups must conform to the Maharashtra State Innovative Startup Policy 2018.
Does the program take equity?
No, the program offers a grant in the form of work orders. It is non-dilutive; no equity is taken.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The specific documents are not listed, but typically include incorporation certificate, proof of entity type, turnover details, and information about the MVP and proof of concept.
How and where do I apply for Maharashtra Startup Week?
Applications are submitted through the MSInS website at https://msins.in/MaharashtraStartupMain. However, as of 2025, applications are closed for that edition.
Can an early-stage (idea-stage) startup apply?
No, idea-stage ventures are not eligible. Startups must have a Minimum Viable Product and be ready to demonstrate a Proof of Concept.
What are the benefits for the top 100 startups that are not winners?
The top 100 startups get to present their solutions to a panel of judges, which provides exposure and feedback. However, only the top 24 winners receive work orders and the full benefits.
Which sectors can startups be from?
The program is sector-agnostic but aligns with the Maharashtra State Innovative Startup Policy 2018. No specific sectors are excluded.
Who offers Maharashtra Startup Week?
Maharashtra Startup Week is offered by Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Maharashtra Startup Week?
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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