Matching Grant Scheme

The Matching Grant Scheme is run by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa through its Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC). It provides equity co-investment to startups based in Goa that have already secured funding from a registered or recognized source before their product hits the market. The SPC contributes 25% of the amount raised, capped at ₹25,00,000 (₹25 lakh), in exchange for proportionate ownership in the startup.

Only 20 startups are selected each year, and all applications undergo a thorough due diligence process by the SPC. Once approved, funds are typically disbursed within 60 days. The scheme is not an entitlement — the SPC has the sole discretion to approve or reject any application.

• Equity co-investment up to ₹25 lakh
• 25% matching funds from Government
• For pre-product launch/pre-revenue startups
• Requires prior funding from recognized source
• Available for Goa-based startups
• 20 startups selected annually

To be eligible, a startup must be certified by the Goa Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC) and hold a valid certificate number. The product for which funding is sought must be at a pre-product-launch/pre-revenue stage — meaning it has not yet been made available in the market. Applicants must apply 1 to 3 months before the planned product launch. Prior funding from a registered or recognized source is mandatory. Additionally, directors' bank accounts must be linked with Aadhaar, and all expenditures claimed must have been incurred after the Goa Start-up Policy 2017 was notified and must have been paid via digital means.

Matching Grant Scheme is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Matching Grant Scheme 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.

The scheme provides an equity co-investment where the Government of Goa matches 25% of the funds a startup has raised from a registered/recognized source, up to a maximum of ₹25,00,000 (₹25 lakh). In return, the Government receives proportionate ownership (equity) in the startup. This funding is intended for startups before their product launch, giving them the capital needed to complete development and enter the market.

Matching Grant Scheme is offered by Goa Startup Mission, 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.

The Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC) conducts a due diligence process on all applications. Each application is evaluated, and the applicant is notified whether it has been approved or rejected within 45 days from the date the SPC received the application. The SPC retains the sole right to accept or reject any application.

Before you apply to Matching Grant Scheme, 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.

Matching Grant Scheme is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.