Chief Minister s Startup/Innovation Projects/New Industries scheme of Himachal Pradesh helps educated youth move from being job seekers to job creators. The state government supports startups and new ventures by offering infrastructure, mentorship and cash incentives, and the portal remains open for online registration in 2026.
If you have a new business idea, this scheme provides the guidance and resources needed to turn it into a working enterprise. The focus is on setting up incubation centers where entrepreneurs get workspace, networking and the support to scale up.
Chief Minister s Startup/Innovation Projects/New Industries - Introduction
Chief Minister s Startup/Innovation Projects/New Industries scheme is a state-level scheme of Himachal Pradesh. It helps educated youth become job creators by supporting startups and new industries. The scheme also gives skills to young people and possible investors so they can build entrepreneurship.
Incubation centers are set up in host institutions across the state to build capacity, develop networks and create the required infrastructure. Entrepreneurs get hand holding and mentorship to pick viable projects in manufacturing and service sectors, and to run their ventures professionally.
Main Aims
- Create self-employment and income generation opportunities.
- Promote new ideas, products and processes that can be commercialized.
- Set up incubators and incubation centers in the state.
- Hand hold new enterprises and help them access benefits under State and Central schemes.
- Facilitate innovation, incubation space, venture capital and industrial development.
Focus Areas
- Technology driven innovation in any sector.
- Rural infrastructure, crafts, arts, water, sanitation, renewable energy and healthcare.
- Clean technology, agriculture, horticulture and related areas.
- Food processing, retail, tourism, hospitality, mobile, IT/ITeS and biotechnology.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Minister s Startup/Innovation Projects/New Industries |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Category | Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Skills and Employment, Education and Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Industries |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Labour and Employment Department, Himachal Pradesh |
| Open Date | 15-11-2016 |
Benefits
The scheme gives several cash incentives to give a startup a head start.
| Benefit Type | Financial Amount |
|---|---|
| Sustenance Allowance (per month for one year) | ₹25,000 |
| Marketing/Commercialization Support | up to ₹10 Lakhs |
| Patent Filing Cost (Indian) | Actual cost or up to ₹2 Lakhs |
| Patent Filing Cost (Foreign) | Actual cost or up to ₹10 Lakhs |
Mentorship services and lab access at incubation centers are provided free. Patent cost is paid back in two stages: 75% after filing and 25% once the patent is granted.
Eligibility
Any individual or group with an innovative idea or concept can apply. Institutions such as universities, incubation centers, PSUs, R&D bodies and private establishments can also take part as mentors, subject to approval by the committee.
- Startup/New Industry: A proprietor, limited company, registered partnership firm under the Indian Partnership Act 1932, or an LLP working on micro or small scale services.
- Innovation Project: A venture introducing new technology or updating processes, services or products.
- Incubator: A recognized organization giving business support, physical space and mentorship.
- Host Institution: A reputed technology or research institution helping build the startup ecosystem.
Applicants should not claim the same incentive under another State or Central scheme for the same component.
Application Process
Registration is done online on the official Startup Himachal portal.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Startup Himachal portal and open the Account section.
STEP 2 - Click the Register button and choose to sign up as a startup, mentor or incubator.
STEP 3 - Fill in your details such as name, email and mobile number, and set a strong password.
STEP 4 - After registering, log in and submit your project details using your credentials.
Documents
Only self-certified documents need to be submitted, either online or manually. Once the documents are submitted, the department issues a provisional registration within 15 days.
References
Official Scheme Guidelines PDF
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply under this scheme?
Any individual or group with an innovative idea can apply. Startups, new industries and innovation projects that meet the micro or small scale definitions are eligible for the incentives.
What is the official website for this scheme?
You should visit the official Startup Himachal portal to register and manage your application.
Do I need to submit hard copies of my documents?
No, you only need to submit self-certified documents online or manually. The department issues your provisional registration within 15 days of submission.