Grant for Incubation Centers within Educational Institutes Scheme

Grant for Incubation Centers within Educational Institutes Scheme helps educational institutions in Goa affiliated with a recognized public university by providing a one-time grant for capital expenses to set up or expand incubation centers, encouraging a culture of innovation and student entrepreneurship in the state. The scheme continues as part of the Goa Startup Policy 2025, and eligible institutes can apply online through the official Startup Goa portal.

Grant for Incubation Centers within Educational Institutes Scheme - Introduction

Grant for Incubation Centers within Educational Institutes Scheme is a state-level scheme run by the department of information technology, electronics and communications, government of Goa. It supports educational institutes across Goa that hold affiliation with a recognized public university. If an institute plans to build a new incubator or expand an existing one, it can get financial support towards capital expenses through this program to help nurture local startups.

The scheme is part of the Goa Startup Policy 2025, which replaced the earlier 2017 policy. Under the new policy, the department has kept the core benefit unchanged, offering a one-time capital grant of up to ₹10,00,000 for setting up an incubation facility, along with operational support for existing incubators. The Startup Promotion Cell (SPC) handles the applications and approvals.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme provides significant financial support to educational institutes in Goa. Institutes can benefit in the following ways:

• New Incubators: Institutes can apply for a one-time grant of up to ₹ 10,00,000 for capital expenses to establish an incubation facility on campus.
• Expansion: If an institute already runs an incubator, it can use this grant to expand its existing infrastructure.
• Operational Support: Existing facilities may receive up to ₹ 3,00,000 per year for three years to cover operational costs.

The maximum number of beneficiaries is capped at 15 institutes per year. Preference is given to well-performing applicants. Institutes must not restrict these facilities only to their own students, and every incubation center should set up a Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council (SIEC) with dedicated staff. The Startup Promotion Cell holds the final authority on all application approvals, and the grant is not an entitlement.

Eligibility

Any educational institute based in Goa that maintains a valid affiliation with a recognized public university is eligible to apply for this scheme. The bank account of the institute's Principal or Director must be linked with Aadhaar. For working out the eligible capital expenses, the scheme follows Accounting Standard 10 for Fixed Assets issued by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.

Application Process

Institutes can apply online through the official Startup Goa portal. Here are the steps to follow:

STEP 1 - Visit the official Startup Goa website and go to the scheme or incentives section on the homepage.

STEP 2 - Register on the portal by entering the institute details, mobile number and email ID, and verify them using the OTP provided.

STEP 3 - Log in with the credentials, open the Grant for Incubation Centers within Educational Institutes Scheme section, and fill out the application form with all mandatory information.

STEP 4 - Upload all required documents and submit the application. Keep the reference number safe for future tracking.

Alternatively, institutes can download the proforma application form and email the signed documents along with the required set of papers to the Startup Promotion Cell. Applications received by the SPC are evaluated, and the approval or rejection is notified within 45 days from receipt. Once approved, the amount is disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready while applying:

• A detailed copy of the plan for the proposed capital expenditure.
• Relevant forms and documents as specified in Annexure 1 for educational institutes.

Note: Make sure the bank account of the institute's Principal or Director is linked with Aadhaar for smooth processing.

References

Department of IT, Goa Schemes and Policies | Official Guidelines PDF | Startup Goa Official Portal

FAQ's

Who is eligible to apply?

Any educational institute in Goa affiliated with a recognized public university is eligible to apply.

What is the maximum one-time capital grant?

Institutes can receive up to ₹ 10,00,000 for setting up an incubation facility.

Can existing incubators apply for further funding?

Yes, if an institute already has a facility, it can apply for the grant to support expansion or operational costs.

Is there a limit on how many institutes can be selected?

Yes, the scheme supports a maximum of 15 institutes per year.

Are the facilities for students of the institute only?

No, institutes must provide open access as per the scheme guidelines and set up a Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council.

How much is provided for operational expenses?

Eligible existing incubators can receive up to ₹ 3,00,000 annually for a three-year period.

Is this grant an entitlement?

No, the grant is not an entitlement, and the Startup Promotion Cell reserves the right to approve or reject applications.

Are there specific banking requirements?

Yes, the institute head's bank account must be Aadhaar-linked.

How are eligible expenses calculated?

The calculation follows Accounting Standard 10 for Fixed Assets by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.

What is the timeline for approval?

The Startup Promotion Cell usually processes and notifies applicants within 45 days of receipt, and disburses approved amounts within 60 days.