Uttarakhand Startup Policy-2023 — Seed Grant up to ₹12.5 Lakh — Frequently Asked Questions

There are two cash components. The monthly allowance pays ₹15,000 per month for one year, which works out to ₹1.8 lakh over twelve months, and this rises to ₹20,000 per month for women, SC/ST, Divyang and transgender founders as well as grassroots innovation-based startups. On top of that, seed funding goes up to ₹10 lakh, or up to ₹12.50 lakh for those same special categories. Patent and trademark reimbursements are paid separately.

No. The scheme runs on a rolling basis, so applications are accepted throughout the year and there is no last date to work towards. You can apply whenever your entity is ready and meets the eligibility conditions.

Only three structures qualify: a Private Limited Company, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a Registered Partnership Firm. The entity must also not be more than ten years old from incorporation, and its annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since it was set up. Businesses created by splitting or reconstructing an existing concern, or those that are part of a family or business group, are excluded.

Yes, it can. An entity with a registered office in another state is eligible as long as it maintains an office and carries out substantial operations within Uttarakhand. The company does not have to be originally incorporated in the state.

During the recognition period, at least 70% of your full-time workforce has to be made up of people who are Uttarakhand domiciles. This is a mandatory condition, so it is worth reviewing your hiring plan before you apply.

These categories receive a higher monthly allowance of ₹20,000 instead of ₹15,000, and a larger seed grant of up to ₹12.50 lakh instead of ₹10 lakh. All the other benefits under the policy, such as IP reimbursement and incubation support, remain available to them as well.

No. The support here comes as grants, allowances, subsidies and reimbursements rather than as an investment, so the funding is non-dilutive and founders do not have to hand over a stake in the company to receive it.

Three kinds of filings are reimbursed. A national patent filing is covered up to ₹1 lakh, an international patent filing up to ₹5 lakh, and trademark and industrial design applications up to ₹10,000. These amounts are claimed as reimbursement of costs already incurred.

Yes. Recognised startups get one-time free assistance for pre-incubation and incubation services, alongside the MSME-linked financial incentives such as the special capital subsidy, interest subsidy, stamp duty exemption and SGST reimbursement.

Applications are submitted online through the official state startup portal at https://startuputtarakhand.uk.gov.in/. You register on the portal and complete the application form with your company details and the supporting documents it asks for. The application is then reviewed by the Department of Industries, Government of Uttarakhand, and successful applicants are notified before they can start drawing the incentives.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Uttarakhand Startup Policy-2023 — Seed Grant up to ₹12.5 Lakh, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Uttarakhand Startup Policy-2023 — Seed Grant up to ₹12.5 Lakh is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Uttarakhand Startup Policy-2023 — Seed Grant up to ₹12.5 Lakh is offered by Department of MSME, Government of Uttarakhand, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.