Rajasthan is emerging as a hub for entrepreneurs and innovative minds. With a wealth of young talent equipped with brilliant ideas, fresh perspectives, and exceptional skills, the state is fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. To harness this potential, the Department of Information Technology & Communication launched iStart Rajasthan—an integrated startup platform designed to support and empower businesses.
iStart Rajasthan is the flagship initiative by the Government of Rajasthan aimed at promoting innovation, generating employment, and attracting investments in the state. This comprehensive, one-stop platform serves as a resource for startups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and mentors. The program primarily focuses on startups in the ideation phase, early stages, and those with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES-
The funding model under iStart Rajasthan is tailored to different stages of a startup’s journey:
Themes of the challenges
- Pre Seed & Seed Stage
- Growth Stage
The government has introduced a QRate Startup Rating Program, which evaluates a startup’s potential and investment readiness through a detailed assessment report.
Pre-Seed & Seed Stage Startups of the funding
The state offers financial assistance to encourage innovation and help startups develop novel ideas during their initial stages.
- A. Ideation grant For Pre Seed-Stage Startups
- B. Viability grant for Seed Stage Startups
1. Ideation grant For Pre Seed-Stage Startups
- Eligible startups registered with iStart can receive a grant of ₹2,40,000, subject to meeting the criteria set by the Evaluation Committee.
- Startups with over 50% equity held by women founders will receive an additional ₹60,000.
2. Viability grant for Seed Stage Startups
- Seed stage startups registered under iStart can access grants based on their QRate assessment, as outlined below:
| QRate Categories | Incentives | Maximum Time Period for Additional Grant |
| Non-QRate (iStart registered) | Grant of INR 10 lakhs | Not applicable |
| Bronze (Score 1–20) | Grant of INR 20 lakhs | 3 Months |
| Bronze (Score 20–40) | Grant of INR 30 lakhs | 3 Months |
| Bronze (Score 40–50) | Grant of INR 40 lakhs | 3 Months |
| Silver and above | Grant of INR 60 lakhs | 18 Months |
Growth Stage of the Funding
For startups ready to scale, the government provides additional funding once they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Evaluation Committee.
1. Scale Up Fund: Startups in the growth phase can receive financial assistance to expand their operations.
2. Startup Equity Fund: Startups can access funding based on their QRate category, as detailed below:
| QRate Categories | Incentives | Maximum Time Period for Additional Grant |
| Bronze | Upto INR 1 Crore per Startup | Not applicable |
| Silver | Upto INR 1.5 Crore per Startup | 18 Months |
| Gold and above | Upto INR 2 Crore per Startup | 30 Months |
The Government Startups fund will be utilized to expand and promote the startup ecosystem in the state. It will provide funding support to new and existing startups ideas.
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