R&D Reimbursement Scheme

R&D Reimbursement Scheme helps local startups in Goa recover 50% of their research and development expenses, including salaries of PhD and Master's degree holders, under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025. The scheme is open for applications online through the Goa Online portal.

Eligible startups can get reimbursement of up to ₹5,00,000 per year for a period of two years. The salary part of the claim is capped at ₹2,00,000 per year. Up to 100 startups can get this benefit every year.

Earlier this scheme was part of the Goa Startup Policy 2017. Now it runs under the updated Goa Start-up Policy 2025, which the Government of Goa notified to give fresh support to the state's startup ecosystem.

The scheme is managed by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITE&C), Government of Goa. Applications are processed by the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC), which also decides which claims get approved.

R&D Reimbursement Scheme - Introduction

R&D Reimbursement Scheme is one of the twelve schemes framed under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025. It encourages Goan entrepreneurs and local startups to invest in research and product development by returning a part of the money they spend on such work.

Key Information

Benefits

Under this scheme, a certified local startup can claim 50% of its eligible R&D expenses. This includes salaries paid to employees who hold a PhD, Master's degree, or an equivalent qualification from a government-recognized institute.

Reimbursement Limit: Up to ₹5,00,000 per year for a maximum period of two years.

Salary Cap: The salary part of the claim cannot exceed ₹2,00,000 per year.

Number of Slots: Up to 100 startups can benefit every year, selected by the SITPC.

Payment: Once the SITPC approves the claim, the approved amount is paid to the startup as per the scheme rules.

Note: These benefits are not an entitlement. The SITPC reviews every application and has the right to decide on each claim.

Eligibility

To apply under this scheme, the startup must meet the conditions set by the SITPC. The main points are given below:

• Certified local startup: The applicant must be a local startup certified by the SITPC and must hold a valid startup certificate number.
• Goan ownership: A local startup must have at least 50% equity held by Goans from the time it was set up.
• R&D stage: The startup must be in the research and development stage and working on technology or products listed in the policy, with a working prototype.
• Qualified employees: Employees whose salaries are claimed must hold a PhD, Master's degree, or equivalent from a government-recognized institute and must have been hired for at least 12 months.
• Aadhaar-linked accounts: Bank accounts of the directors and the eligible employees must be linked with Aadhaar.
• Digital payments: Only eligible expenditure paid through digital modes is considered. Non-digital payments may be considered as per SITPC guidelines.

Definition of a Goan: A person born in Goa, a person with 10 or more years of domicile in the state, or the spouse of such a person through a marriage registered in the state.

Priority: Preference is given to startups that have applied for or already obtained a patent for their technology.

Application Process

Applications are accepted online. The process starts on the UDP scheme portal and is completed on the Goa Online portal. Follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Open the UDP portal at msme.goa.gov.in and go to the schemes section.

STEP 2 - Select R&D Reimbursement Scheme from the list of schemes.

STEP 3 - Click on the Apply button. You will be taken to the Goa Online portal to submit the application.

STEP 4 - Fill in the required details, upload the documents, and submit the application. Save the reference number for tracking.

For help, contact the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication at dir-dit.goa@nic.gov.in. The office is located at 2nd Floor IT Hub, Altinho, Panaji, Goa - 403001.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before starting the application:

• Copy of Aadhaar card of the Director or CEO.
• Profile and academic documents of the eligible PhD or Master's degree employees.
• HR letter certifying the employment conditions and work profile.
• Employment contract showing a minimum tenure of 12 months.
• Salary slips of the eligible employees.
• Bank statement or certificate showing salary debits.
• Research proposal and a copy of the research work.
• Original proof of R&D payment as per Cost and Accounting Standard 18.

References

Official Scheme Page on Goa UDP Portal

Download Scheme Guidelines PDF

DITE&C Schemes and Policies Page

View Official Scheme Guidelines

Download Application Form

FAQ's

What happens if an applicant submits false information?

Such an applicant may be permanently barred from claiming benefits under this scheme and other incentives under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025.

Are Master's degree holders eligible under this scheme?

Yes. Under the updated policy, employees holding a Master's degree or equivalent from a government-recognized institute are also covered, along with PhD holders.

Is the 50% reimbursement guaranteed?

No. The benefit is subject to the review and decision of the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC) and is not automatically guaranteed.

Can I claim expenses from two years ago?

No. Only eligible expenditure incurred within the validity of the policy and paid through digital modes is considered. Claims should be filed as per the timeline given in the scheme rules.

Where can I apply for the R&D Reimbursement Scheme?

Applications are submitted online through the Goa Online portal. You can start from the UDP scheme page at msme.goa.gov.in and click on the Apply button for this scheme.