Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme
Maharashtra grant for women-led DPIIT-recognized startups; ₹1L–₹25L non-dilutive funding.
- Funding amount
- ₹1L – ₹25L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, designed to empower women-led startups across Maharashtra. It provides early to growth-stage financial assistance to innovative ventures founded and led by women entrepreneurs, through direct grants that are non-dilutive – meaning founders retain full equity.
By offering grant support, the scheme aims to strengthen inclusive entrepreneurship, promote innovation-driven businesses, and help women founders scale their ventures sustainably. The funding can be used for product development, operational expansion, and moving the startup to its next growth phase. Above all, it contributes to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Maharashtra.
The program is open to startups already operating for more than one year, with women holding over 51% equity. It targets revenue-generating startups with an annual turnover between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore, ensuring support goes to young but proven businesses.
Highlights
- Grant of ₹1 Lakh to ₹25 Lakh – non-dilutive (no equity taken).
- Open to women-led startups with more than 51% women equity.
- Must be DPIIT-recognized and registered in Maharashtra.
- Annual revenue must be between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore.
- Operational for over one year; MCA registration before 20th November 2024.
- No other Government of Maharashtra grant can have been availed.
Who can apply
To apply, your startup must meet the following criteria: be DPIIT-recognized and registered in Maharashtra; be founded and led by women who hold more than 51% equity; have been operational for over one year; have been registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) before 20th November 2024; show annual revenue between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore; and must not have availed any other financial grant from the Government of Maharashtra. The startup must also demonstrate innovation and potential for scalable growth.
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme 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
The most recent application window for Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme closed on 15 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive a one-time grant ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹25 lakh. The funding is non-dilutive – the program does not take any equity in return. Recipients can use the grant to support product development, scale operations, strengthen their market presence, and pursue other innovation-led business activities as needed. Additionally, being part of the Maharashtra State Innovation Society ecosystem can bring visibility and networking opportunities.
About the provider
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme 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
The selection process begins with an online application via the official Maharashtra State Innovation Society portal where startups submit complete company and founder details, incorporation documents, DPIIT recognition proof, shareholding pattern, and revenue data. A designated committee then evaluates all applications based on eligibility and potential. Shortlisted startups are contacted by the authorities for further communication and grant processing.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup 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.
Who this is best for
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1L – ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme offer?
The scheme provides a grant of ₹1 lakh to ₹25 lakh per startup. The funding is non-dilutive, so you retain full ownership of your business.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15th February 2026. We recommend applying well before the deadline to ensure your application is complete.
Who can apply for this grant?
Women-founded/led startups that are DPIIT-recognized and registered in Maharashtra. Women founders must hold more than 51% equity in the company. The startup must have been operational for over one year, have an annual revenue between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore, and be registered with the MCA before 20th November 2024.
Which industries or sectors are eligible?
The scheme does not restrict specific sectors; it is open to all innovative startups demonstrating potential for scalable growth. Any sector aligned with innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship can apply.
Does the program take equity in my startup?
No. This is a grant scheme – the funding is non-dilutive, meaning you do not give up any equity or stake in your company.
Are startups from outside Maharashtra eligible?
No, the startup must be registered and based in the state of Maharashtra to qualify for this scheme.
Can a startup that has already received a grant from another department of the Government of Maharashtra apply?
No. The eligibility criteria clearly state that the women-led startup must not have availed any other financial grant from the Government of Maharashtra.
What documents are required to apply?
You will need to provide company and founder details, incorporation certificate, DPIIT recognition proof, shareholding pattern, and revenue details. Specific supporting documents may be requested during the process.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Maharashtra State Innovation Society portal: https://msins.accubate.app/ext/form/2415/1/apply. Complete the online form with all required information and documents.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme?
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme is offered by Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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Not sure Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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