StartinUp
Equity-free grants for DPIIT-registered startups in Uttar Pradesh, offering up to ₹18.35L in funding plus mentorship.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.1L – ₹18.4L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SIIC IIT Kanpur (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- DPIIT recognition
- Required — the startup must hold DPIIT (Startup India) recognition
Overview
StartinUp is a flagship grant program managed by SIIC IIT Kanpur, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre at IIT Kanpur. It aims to foster grassroots innovation, generate employment, and bring emerging technologies to market in Uttar Pradesh. The program provides structured financial support in three tranches: a monthly sustenance allowance of ₹17,500 for one year, a one-time prototyping grant of up to ₹5 Lakh for developing MVPs, and seed capital of up to ₹7.5 Lakh for marketing (which can increase to ₹11.25 Lakh upon achieving milestones). This brings total potential funding to between ₹2.1 Lakh and approximately ₹18.35 Lakh. Additionally, startups receive mentorship and access to SIIC IIT Kanpur's deep tech ecosystem.
Highlights
- Equity-free grant program by SIIC IIT Kanpur for DPIIT-registered startups in Uttar Pradesh.
- Total funding ranges from ₹2.1L to ₹18.35L, including monthly allowance, prototyping grant, and marketing seed capital.
- Open to startups at any stage—idea, product, or revenue.
- Accepts private limited companies, LLPs, and partnerships.
- Rolling applications with no fixed deadline.
- Mentorship from IIT Kanpur's deep tech ecosystem.
Who can apply
To be eligible, startups must have valid DPIIT registration and be registered under the StartInUP initiative by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The program is open to startups operating in Uttar Pradesh at any stage—idea, product, or revenue. Eligible entity types include private limited companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and partnerships. There are no specific industry restrictions; the focus is on innovative and technology-driven ventures at the grassroots level.
StartinUp is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Uttar Pradesh. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership. Applicants must hold DPIIT (Startup India) recognition.
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Entity type
- Private Limited, Llp, Partnership
- DPIIT recognition
- Required — the startup must hold DPIIT (Startup India) recognition
Deadline & timing
StartinUp 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
- Monthly sustenance allowance: ₹17,500 per month for one year.
- Prototyping grant: Up to ₹5 Lakh, one-time, for developing MVPs and testing prototypes.
- Seed capital for marketing: Up to ₹7.5 Lakh, with an additional 50% available upon meeting specific milestones, totaling up to ₹11.25 Lakh.
- Mentorship and support: Access to SIIC IIT Kanpur's startup ecosystem, including expert guidance and networking opportunities.
About the provider
StartinUp is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SIIC IIT Kanpur as a grant. 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
Applications are submitted online through the StartInUP portal. The process includes: 1) Online application submission with details of the business idea, innovation, market potential, team, and financial projections. 2) Initial screening by experts from SIIC IIT Kanpur and StartInUP to assess alignment with program objectives and novelty. 3) Shortlisted startups submit a detailed business plan and undergo due diligence, which may include interviews. 4) A select group pitches to a panel of judges from SIIC IIT Kanpur and the Uttar Pradesh government. 5) Final selection is based on innovation, scalability, team strength, market potential, and impact. Successful applicants receive onboarding instructions.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to StartinUp, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:
- DPIIT (Startup India) recognition certificate — mandatory for this program
- 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.
Who this is best for
StartinUp is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.1L – ₹18.4L. Because DPIIT recognition is mandatory, it is aimed at startups already registered under Startup India. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total grant amount a startup can receive under StartinUp?
The total funding can range from ₹2.1 lakh to approximately ₹18.35 lakh, comprising a sustenance allowance, prototyping grant, and marketing seed capital.
How is the funding structured?
The program provides a monthly sustenance allowance of ₹17,500 for one year (totaling ~₹2.1 Lakh), a one-time prototyping grant of up to ₹5 Lakh, and marketing seed capital up to ₹7.5 Lakh (which can increase to ₹11.25 Lakh with milestone achievement).
Who is eligible to apply?
Startups must be registered with both DPIIT and StartInUP, and must operate in Uttar Pradesh. They can be at any stage – idea, product, or revenue. Eligible entity types include private limited companies, LLPs, and partnership firms.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, applicants must have valid DPIIT registration to be eligible for the program.
Does the program take equity?
No, StartinUp provides grants that are equity-free. The funding does not require giving away ownership.
What documents are typically needed for application?
Applicants generally need to submit their DPIIT and StartInUP registrations, a detailed business proposal with problem statement, solution, market analysis, team details, and financial projections. Additional due diligence may require more detailed business plans and financial models.
What is the application deadline?
The program accepts applications on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline; applications are reviewed continuously.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the official StartInUP portal at startinup.up.gov.in. The process includes submitting a proposal, screening, detailed proposal, pitch, and final selection.
What are the restrictions on startup stage or sector?
The program is open to startups at any stage: idea, product, or revenue. While specific industries are not listed, it focuses on innovative, technology-driven ventures at grassroots level.
Is there additional support beyond funding?
Yes, startups receive mentorship and support from SIIC IIT Kanpur's ecosystem, which includes deep technology expertise, networking, and guidance.
How much funding does StartinUp provide?
StartinUp provides ₹2.1L – ₹18.4L (range) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Who offers StartinUp?
StartinUp is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from SIIC IIT Kanpur
SIIC IIT Kanpur runs 6 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to StartinUp
Not sure StartinUp is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.