Startup Manipur

Startup Manipur is a state scheme that supports local entrepreneurs in Manipur with funding, mentorship and a strong business ecosystem. It helps young people in the state move from being job seekers to job creators by turning new ideas into working ventures. The scheme is still open for applications in 2026 under the Manipur Startup Scheme 2.0.

Startup Manipur works as a catalyst for local economic growth by encouraging new ideas and creating quality jobs across the state. It was set up under the Manipur Startup Policy 2018 and has been giving financial support to startups and entrepreneurs since 2017-18. In July 2026 the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the scheme and reaffirmed the state government's commitment to youth entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Startup Manipur - Introduction

Startup Manipur builds a strong support network for new businesses through incubation centres, mentorship and access to money. Whether a person is at the idea stage or running a revenue-generating business, the scheme offers the infrastructure and support needed to succeed in the North East market. The government of Manipur wants to strengthen the enabling environment so that the state can become one of the top startup destinations in the North East.

The scheme now runs in four stages. Idea Stage supports people with a new and scalable business idea with a grant of up to ₹3 lakh. Revenue Stage helps existing entrepreneurs scale up with financial support of up to ₹100 lakh, which includes a 30% grant. CMESS Stage supports existing micro entrepreneurs with a 30% subsidy of the project cost. Stand Up Stage focuses on deprived sections, including SC, ST, OBC, women and minority groups, with support similar to the Revenue Stage for new projects.

Key Information

Benefits

Startup Manipur gives eligible entrepreneurs several kinds of support through its different stages:

• Idea Stage offers a grant of up to ₹3 lakh for people with a new and scalable business idea, with business incubation training made required.
• Revenue Stage gives financial support of up to ₹100 lakh, which includes a 30% grant, to help existing businesses grow fast.
• CMESS Stage supports micro entrepreneurs with a 30% subsidy of the project cost so that small businesses can grow.
• Stand Up Stage focuses on deprived sections such as SC, ST, OBC, women and minority groups with support similar to the Revenue Stage.

Apart from these stage-wise benefits, the state also strengthens existing incubators and accelerators, gives continuous training and skill development, and makes the regulatory process easier so that statutory clearances come quickly. The goal is to help 1,000 startups succeed over a period of five years.

Manipur Startup Venture Fund

The government of Manipur has joined hands with the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) to create the Manipur Startup Venture Fund (MSVF). This fund gives startups an extra channel of money to grow their business. Eligible applicants can apply for the fund through the separate MSVF portal.

Startup Scheme for Livelihood of IDPs

The state government has also launched the Startup Manipur Scheme for Livelihood of IDPs. Around 60,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who are staying in relief camps because of ethnic conflicts and unrest in the state, have no regular source of income. This special scheme helps these displaced people start small businesses so that they can earn a livelihood. Applications for this scheme are taken through a separate IDP portal.

Eligibility

To qualify for this scheme, the applicant should meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be a domicile of Manipur by birth. If applying as a group, at least one promoter should hold a Manipur domicile.
• The applicant can be an individual or a group of individuals with a new and scalable idea or concept.
• Registered business owners who want to scale up their existing business can also apply.
• The owner of the business must be at least 18 years old.

For example, if Rahul, a resident of Imphal, wants to start a tech venture, he is eligible as long as he is 18 years or older and holds a valid Manipur domicile.

Exclusions

A person is not eligible for this scheme if they do not hold a Manipur domicile, are below 18 years of age, or have not completed the required incubation program by the date set by the state government. Also, applicants who were already selected as ESS Stage beneficiaries cannot apply again in the Idea Stage or CMESS Stage, and such applications are rejected without notice.

Application Process

Eligible applicants can apply online through the official application portal. The selection process follows these steps:

STEP 1 - Online Application: Submit the business proposal with details of the vision, financial needs and growth strategy on the official application portal.

STEP 2 - Document Checking: Officials check the application details and may ask for more clarification if needed.

STEP 3 - Personal Interview: The applicant presents the business plan to a panel to discuss its potential.

STEP 4 - Review by Bank: The bank checks the financial stability and creditworthiness of the applicant.

STEP 5 - Bootcamp / Incubation: Selected applicants get expert mentorship at a bootcamp to improve the business model.

STEP 6 - Funding: After finishing the program, the applicant receives the grant or loan to scale up the business.

Documents

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying:

• Permanent Account Number (PAN) card of the applicant.
• Aadhaar card.
• PAN card for the business entity.
• Business Registration Certificate.
• Audited Balance Sheet for the previous financial year.
• Income Tax Return for the previous financial year.
• Audited Profit and Loss statement for the previous financial year.

References

• Manipur Startup Official Website
• Startup Manipur Application Portal
• Manipur Startup Venture Fund Portal
• Startup Scheme for Livelihood of IDPs
• Office Memorandum for Manipur Startup Scheme 2.0

FAQ's

Is Startup Manipur still running in 2026?

Yes. The scheme is still open and is being run under the Manipur Startup Scheme 2.0. The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the scheme in July 2026 and the state continues to take applications for the different stages.

What is a Startup?

Any business entity that focuses on product or process innovation to serve customers qualifies as a startup. The focus should be on scalable job creation rather than self-sustenance activities.

What is the startup definition by DIPP?

An entity is considered a startup for up to 7 years from its incorporation date, and 10 years for biotechnology firms. The annual turnover must not exceed ₹25 Crore. The business should focus on innovation or scalable models. Split-up or reconstructed businesses are not considered startups.

What is the Manipur Startup Venture Fund?

It is a fund created by the government of Manipur along with NEDFi to give startups an extra source of money. Eligible applicants can apply through the MSVF portal at msvf.startupmanipur.in.

What is the Startup Scheme for Livelihood of IDPs?

It is a special scheme to help Internally Displaced Persons living in relief camps start small businesses and earn a livelihood. Applications are taken through the IDP portal.

How do I get recognized as a startup?

Recognition can be obtained through an official certificate from DIPP, the Manipur Startup cell, government-sponsored incubators, or recognized research institutes such as IITs or NITs.

Is there security required for the loan?

No. The bank loans are collateral free and are covered under the Government of India Credit Guarantee (GGTMS) scheme.