Summary:
- Students can now receive grants up to ₹50,000 for innovative projects
- Colleges eligible for ₹10 lakh to set up on-campus incubators
- Annual support of ₹3 lakh for incubators to build student startup culture
Direct Grants For Student Innovators
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Goa government has introduced a Campus Innovation Scheme under its newly notified startup policy. For the first time, students with entrepreneurial or research-driven ideas can apply for direct financial support up to ₹50,000 to cover project development costs.
The move aims to ease financial barriers for young innovators while encouraging a culture of experimentation and entrepreneurship across campuses. Institutions will be required to submit quarterly progress reports to the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) to ensure accountability.
On-Campus Incubators To Get ₹10 Lakh Support
Beyond student grants, the policy also focuses on strengthening institutional infrastructure. Educational institutions affiliated with public universities in Goa will be eligible for a one-time grant of up to ₹10 lakh to establish campus-based incubators.
These incubators will provide startups with workspace, mentoring, and access to resources, helping students transform ideas into ventures.
Operational Grants To Build Startup Culture
Each incubator will further receive an annual grant of ₹3 lakh for three years to cover operational expenses. To ensure impact, incubators must establish a Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council (SIEC), appoint dedicated staff, and prepare short- and long-term action agendas.
The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of student-led ventures and embed entrepreneurship into Goa’s academic ecosystem.
