Goa Startup Policy 2025 Document

Below is a list of schemes outlined in the STARTUP POLICY 2025. For detailed scheme information, please refer "https://www.startup.goa.gov.in/"

With the Goa Startup Policy 2025, the State is poised to play a leading role in India’s dynamic startup landscape, fostering innovation and strengthening entrepreneurship across a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem. In line with the incentives proposed under the Startup Policy 2025, twelve (12) schemes have been formulated. The broad benefits of these schemes are outlined below:

1. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reimbursement Scheme
   Start-ups registering national and international IP, the Start-up Promotion Cell will reimburse up to 100% of the cost incurred by the start-up in fees and all other costs associated with Patent application, subject to a cap of INR 2 lakh for national IP and INR 5 lakh for international IP.
2. R&D Reimbursement Scheme
   In order to promote innovation amongst the Goan start-ups, 50% of R&D expenses, including salaries of employees holding Ph.D and Master Degree employed by start-ups will be reimbursed for a period of two years, subject to a cap of Rs. 5 lacs per annum. Salary component must not be in excess of Rs. 2 lacs of this incentive.
3. Skill Enhancement Scheme
   The Skill Enhancement Scheme aims to strengthen the capabilities of startups by supporting skill development in AI and emerging technologies.
   Under the Scheme, eligible startups may avail a one-time reimbursement of 50% of the course or training cost, subject to a maximum limit of ₹1,00,000, for development courses/trainings undertaken from recognised institutions. The Scheme shall benefit up to thirty (30) startups per financial year.
   The Scheme is applicable to qualified startups wherein at least 50% equity is continuously held by one or more Goans since inception. The training institution must be recognised by an authorised Government body such as AICTE, UGC, NBA, etc., as applicable. Reimbursement may be availed in parts for one or more employees of the startup who have completed a minimum of one (1) year of service, and all expenditures claimed must have been made through digital modes.
4. Trademark Reimbursement Scheme
   For startups that have successfully entered the production/service delivery phase, 50% of the cost of trade-mark registration of their company name and logo, will be reimbursed up to INR 25,000. Reimbursement shall be for the expense paid towards Trademark Search, Government Filing Fees, Attorney Fees, Maintenance fees or any other legal fees for filing trademark application. The support shall be maximum for filing two trademark application in the name of the startup for which recognition is availed.
5. Reimbursement of Expenses for Startups Operating from Leased / Privately Owned Premises Scheme
   For start-ups that operate from their own premises or rented premises, and do not use the Government developed facilities, cost towards internet connectivity, software license fees, and cloud services fee. The cost towards internet connectivity, software license fees, and cloud services fee, will be reimbursed subject to an upper limit of INR 1 lakh per quarter for a period of one year.
   For such start-ups lease rental subsidy of up to Rs. 20 / square feet per month, will be provided for a period of two years. This is applicable only for local start-ups. This incentive is subject to a cap of Rs. 3 lacs per annum.
6. Grant for Incubation Centers within educational Institutes Scheme
   All educational institutes in Goa, affiliated to a recognized public university, can avail a one-time grant of up to Rs. 10 lacs towards capital expenses, for setting up of an incubator within their institute campuses, for the purpose of nurturing start-ups founded by students enrolled in these institutes. Such incubators will also be provided a grant of up to Rs. 3 lacs per year, for a period of three years, towards operational expenses. Each incubation center shall also establish Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council (SIEC), employ human resources to look after the council, assign a senior competent authority for coordination of such a facility to develop action agendas for short and long term. The incubation center shall submit to the SITPC, the quarterly report of the progress made by the incubatee startups in the formats specified by SITPC.
7. Seed Capital Scheme
   The Seed Capital Grant Scheme is offered to startups with a promising Minimum Viable Product, Startups can avail onetime grant of up-to Rs. 10 lacs, as determined by the cell.
8. Salary Reimbursement Scheme
   For startups hiring local talent, 50% of the salary of freshers will be reimbursed, subject to a cap of Rs.15,000 per month per recruit. Freshers for the purpose of this incentive provision are defined as professionals who have completed their graduation in the last two years. For startups whose work force comprises 60% of locals, a matching grant of up to 25% of salary of the local workforce will be reimbursed, subject to a cap of Rs. 10,000 per month per recruit, for a maximum period of three (3) years.
9. Co-Working Space/ Incubators Subsidy Scheme
   Start-ups will be reimbursed a fixed amount for the seats occupied by them at co-working spaces/incubators listed by the SITPC. The benefits at the co-working spaces can be availed maximum for a period of two years per startup, at incubators can be availed maximum for a period of 1 year per startup.
   The startup will be reimbursed 50% per seat cost offered by the co-working spaces listed by the SITPC or a maximum benefit of INR 3000 per seat and can claim this benefit for a maximum cap of 8 seats only.
   The startup will be reimbursed 50% per seat cost offered by the incubators listed by the SITPC a maximum benefit of INR 5000 per seat and can claim this benefit for a maximum cap of 8 seats only.
10. Campus Innovation Scheme
    The Campus Innovation Scheme aims to support students engaged in innovative business ideas and research-based projects. Under the Scheme, eligible student applicants may avail reimbursement of actual project-related expenses up to ₹50,000 per application.
    The Scheme is open to bonafide students of UGC-recognised institutions located within the State. Applications must be recommended by a College-Level Committee chaired by the Head of the Department/Dean/Director/Principal and comprising the Head of the Institute Innovation Council (IIC)/E-Cell, a student coordinator, and an entrepreneur (preferably an alumnus).
    Applicants must not have received financial assistance from any other Government institution or agency for the same project, and each applicant is eligible to avail the Scheme only once during its validity period.
11. Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme
    Eligible startups can receive reimbursement of up to 50% of the actual costs incurred for exhibition stall rentals and upto 50% of travel costs to a maximum total reimbursement of INR 75,000 for shows or exhibitions supported by government bodies. Incase the exhibition is sponsored by the government, the startup as selected by the Government will get free stall space and can claim up to 50% of travel costs with a maximum reimbursement of INR 25,000.
    To ensure continued growth through the Marketing Assistance Scheme, startups are required to submit a "Market Engagement and Impact Report," detailing their potential connections, traction, and other relevant outcomes. The report format will be defined by the cell.
12. Women Entrepreneur Vitality Scheme
    The Women Entrepreneur Vitality Scheme is designed to support women-founded startups at the ideation, prototype, validation, or early traction stages, particularly those working in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, Drones, Robotics, AR/VR, AVGC, 3D Printing, and related areas.
    Under the Scheme, eligible startups may avail a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for a period of up to twelve (12) months, subject to a maximum support duration of one year. The total number of beneficiaries shall be limited to fifty (50) startups per financial year.
    The Scheme is applicable to qualified startups founded by women entrepreneurs holding a majority stake, whose company is not older than twelve (12) months from the date of application. The founder(s) must not be older than 30 years of age and should not be gainfully employed or earning from sources other than the startup. Applicants must not have availed similar grants from any other Government institution or agency. The startup must be incubated in a recognised incubator in Goa and continue incubation for the entire support period. Quarterly progress reports shall be submitted through the associated incubator/accelerator/partner organisation.

• Department of IT along with Government of Goa has notified the �IT Policy� in August, 2018.
• CapitalInvestment Subsidy Scheme
1. All New Units developing office spaces will be eligible for a capital investment subsidy up to 20% on the capital investments made during the tenure of the Scheme.
2. An additional 10% subsidy on the capital investments made will be provided in case of establishment of Mega Business Units.
3. All Existing Units, which qualify as Mega Units are also eligible for capital investment subsidy up to 20% of the capital investment incurred in the last 3 years prior to the date of notification of this policy.
4. An additional 10% subsidy on the capital investments will be provided for the establishment of office spaces for the industries identified as key focus areas for the Government.


• Registration & Stamp Duty Subsidy Scheme
1. All New and Existing Units shall be eligible for reimbursement of the stamp duty, such that the registration and stamp duty charges will not exceed INR 100/- and the excess amount paid to the authorities concerned will be reimbursed


• Power Subsidy Scheme
1. All Units operating in Goa will be provided 20% subsidy on power bills (on the power charges, excluding any duty and taxes, but not on the total bill), subject to a maximum of INR 5 lakh per annum per Unit whichever is lower.


• Solar Power Subsidy Scheme
1. All Units operating in Goa running on 100% solar energy will be eligible for a reimbursement of 10% of their capital cost of the installation of Solar Power Generation Unit subject to a maximum subsidy of INR 50 lakh.


• Internet Subsidy Scheme
1. All New & Existing units can avail a 25% reimbursement on high speed bandwidth, subject to a maximum of INR 5 lakh per annum whichever is lower.


• Salary Subsidy Scheme
1. All New and Existing Units can avail a salary subsidy for Fresher�s recruited during the operation period of the Policy. The subsidy would be provided as a matching grant to salary paid to Fresher�s up to INR 10,000 per Fresher per month (INR 12,500 for female Fresher) for a period of 2 continuous years of operation post the notification of this policy.


• Campus Recruitment Assistance Scheme
1. A recruitment assistance of INR 10,000 per Fresher will be provided to the Existing and New units that recruit through Campus recruitment from the educational institutes located in Goa.


• Patent Filing Reimbursement Scheme
1. All New and Existing Units located within Goa shall be eligible for a total reimbursement of up to INR 25 lakh per unit for the expenses incurred towards filing of patents during the policy period. This incentive shall be provided in the form of reimbursement of up to INR 2.5 lakh for every successful domestic patent, and up to INR 5 lakh for every successful international patent.


• Quality Certification Reimbursement Scheme
1. All New and Existing Units shall be eligible for a reimbursement of the cost of industry standard quality certification. This incentive may be claimed only once for any number of certifications acquired during the policy period. The maximum amount that may be availed under this reimbursement is capped at INR 5 lakh per unit.


• Market Support Scheme for Smaller Business Units
1. A reimbursement of 50% of the exhibition rental cost for will be provided for participating in national/ international exhibitions, limited to 9 square metres of space, subject to approval by the Government.


• Performance Linked Grant Scheme for Smaller Business Units
1. Smaller Business Units that record a growth of 15% y-o-y turnover for a period of any three consecutive years during the operation of the policy, will be provided a performance grant of 5% of the reported net income subject to a total cap of INR 25 lakh.


• Interest Subsidy Scheme for Smaller Business Units
1. For Smaller Business Units, interest subsidy on working capital loan will be provided, subject to a maximum of INR 5 lakh per annum, for a period of 3 years.


• Lease Rental Rebate Scheme for Goan Diaspora
1. A 100% reimbursement of the lease rentals will be provided for a period of first 6 months of operations. Further, a reimbursement of INR 35 per sq. ft. or 80% of the total lease rentals; whichever is lower; will be provided up to a maximum period of 2 years.


• Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme for Goan Diaspora
1. All New Units developing office spaces will be eligible for a capital investment subsidy up to 20% on the capital investments made during the tenure of the Scheme.
2. An additional 10% subsidy on the capital investments made will be provided in case of establishment of Mega Business Units.
3. All Existing Units, which qualify as Mega Units are also eligible for capital investment subsidy up to 20% of the capital investment incurred in the last 3 years prior to the date of notification of this policy.
4. An additional 10% subsidy on the capital investments will be provided for the establishment of office spaces for the industries identified as key focus areas for the Government.
5. An additional 10% investment subsidy on the capital investments shall be provided in case of units are owned by the Goan Diaspora.


• Certification Program for Goan IT Professionals
1. Goan IT Professionals can avail reimbursement up to 50% of the expenditure incurred for obtaining certifications for improving their employability.
2. These Certifications should be by vendors or by Authorised Training Partners of the Vendors. Department of IT would come up with the list of courses/ certifications (which would be updated from time to time) which can be considered for reimbursement under this scheme.


• Special Incentive Allowance Scheme
1. New and Existing Units would be provided with the following special incentive allowance once at the end of every three year period
1. Smaller Business Units: INR 50 lakh
2. Other Business Units: INR 1 crore
3. Mega Business Units: INR 2 crore

The Government of Goa has formulated a scheme �Empower ST/SC Communities using ICT tools� that offers IT Training programmes free of cost to Schedule Tribe (ST)/Schedule Caste (SC) Communities.
• The objective of the Scheme is :
  o To provide basic computer skills to the local youth, housewives and other citizens.
  o To provide various Job oriented IT Training course including training for BPO Operations/ Call Center Executives.
  o To provide structural training programmes depending on the needs.
  o To make at least one person in each families in the State as an IT Literate.
  This scheme is implemented through the IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) located at various areas in the State. M/s Info Tech Corporations of Goa Ltd is the implementing agency of these ITKCs.
  For more details please visit https://infotech.goa.gov.in/itkc.html
  
  

• Eligibility Criteria:
1. The student should be born is the State of Goa.
   The student must belong to ST or SC community.
   The student is required to pass class X examination of Goa Board in first attempt.
   The student has to score at least 70 per cent (aggregate) in class X examination of Goa Board
   The student should be schooling in the taluka in which he/she is considered meritorious.
   In case of a male student, he should feature in the Top 5 among the Class X male (ST/SC) students of the taluka.
   In case of a female student, he should feature in the Top 5 among the Class X female (ST/SC) students of the taluka.


• Procedure to apply for scheme:
1. Students fulfilling the eligibility criteria may apply for the scheme by filling the prescribed online application form using https://merit.goa.gov.in
   For technical support write to topper.helpdesk@gmail.com or call 9607963089/9607963098


• Documents to be submitted with online application:
1. Birth certificate of the applicant issued by the competent authority of Government of Goa.
   Mark Sheet issued by the Goa Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education.
   Consent of Parent in prescribed format.
   Photo ID proof of applicant (Aadhaar Card/School ID card etc.)
   ID Proof of Parent displaying signature (PAN Card/Passport/Driving License etc.)
   An attested copy of Caste Certificate issued by the competent authority of Government of Goa


• Procedure for scrutiny:
1. Applicants having their applications completed in all respect will only be considered for the scheme.
   The complete application will be reviewed by the scrutinizing committee of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd.
   Start and last date for applying for the scheme will be announced by ITG every year.