Scaleup Grant

The Scale-up Grant by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) provides up to ₹15 lakhs in equity-free funding for technology-based startups in Kerala that have achieved market validation. The grant helps startups scale operations by expanding into new markets, strengthening branding, and accelerating customer acquisition. Funding is disbursed in milestone-based tranches to ensure accountability. Startups that have previously received other KSUM grants (like Idea, Productization, or Market Acceleration Grants) can apply for the remaining eligible amount under this scheme.

• Kerala tech startups with proven revenue or raised funding, ready to scale.
• Equity-free grant, no dilution of ownership.
• Use funds for marketing, branding, and customer acquisition to drive growth.
• Rolling applications, no fixed deadline.
• Disbursement on achievement of pre-set milestones.

The grant is open to startups registered in Kerala with a valid KSUM Unique ID. The startup must own an innovative, technology-based product or service and be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or One Person Company with active MCA status. The startup must have generated at least ₹10 lakhs in revenue from its product within the last 6 months or raised at least ₹30 lakhs through external equity investment. A margin money contribution of 50% of the approved grant amount is mandatory. Those who have availed other KSUM grants earlier may still apply, but only for the remaining available amount under this scheme.

Scaleup Grant is open to startups at the revenue stage. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Kerala. Applicants should be registered as private limited and llp.

Scaleup Grant 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.

• Financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakhs as an equity-free grant.
• Funds are disbursed in milestone-based tranches, tied to the achievement of predefined performance goals.
• The grant may be used for market expansion into new geographies, strengthening branding and marketing activities, product feature enhancements (subject to caps), and customer acquisition campaigns to drive revenue growth. Primary focus is on marketing, business development, and customer acquisition.

Scaleup Grant is offered by Kerala Startup Mission, 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.

The selection process begins with an initial screening by KSUM officials to check eligibility, financial viability, innovation, and market potential. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to pitch their proposals before an Expert Committee, which rigorously evaluates the team's capability, product innovation, market fit, marketing/business development strategy, financial projections, and fund utilization plan. Based on the committee's recommendations, the final approval is granted by the CEO/Chairman of KSUM. Once approved, the startup must submit required documents and sign a formal agreement with KSUM. The grant is then released in tranches linked to milestone progress, tracked via detailed progress reports.

Before you apply to Scaleup Grant, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

Scaleup Grant is best suited for revenue-stage startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹15L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.