Lok Sabha Question No. 3924 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Start-Up Incubators and Accelerators
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3924.

TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 25 TH  MARCH, 2025.

## START-UP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS

## 3924.  SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) whether the Ministry is collaborating with private and academic institutions to create startup incubators and accelerators in the country;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  such  collaborations,  including  the  number  of  incubators established; and
- (c) the measures taken to ensure inclusivity for entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, including specific initiatives for rural and tribal communities in the country?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

- (a) & (b): The  Government  with  an  intent  to  build  a  strong  ecosystem  for  nurturing innovation, startups and encouraging investments in the startup ecosystem of the country launched the Startup India initiative on 16th January 2016.

Under the  Startup  India  initiative,  incubators  from  both  private  sector  and academic  institutions  are  supported  through  the  Startup  India  Seed  Fund Scheme (SISFS). The Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible startups through incubators  for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. The Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) of SISFS, evaluates and selects incubators for allocation of funds. SISFS is implemented from 1st April 2021. As on 31st January 2025, 217 incubators have been selected under the Scheme with a total approved funding of Rs. 916.91 crore.

- (c): Under  the  Startup  India  initiative,  the  Government  constantly  undertakes various efforts for the development and growth of startup ecosystem. All steps undertaken  under  the  Startup  India  initiative  are  inclusive  and  support entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, and rural and tribal communities.

The flagship Schemes namely, Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed  Fund  Scheme  (SISFS)  and  Credit  Guarantee  Scheme  for  Startups (CGSS)  support  Startups  at  various  stages  of  their  business  cycle.  The Government  also  implements  periodic  exercises  and  programs  including States' Startup Ranking, National Startup Awards, and Innovation Week which play an important role in the holistic development of the startup ecosystem. The Government also encourages and supports ecosystem led initiatives such as Startup  Mahakumbh  which  serve  as  a  vibrant  platform  for  stakeholders  to network and collaborate. Initiatives to improve market access and enable public procurement which support startups in growing and scaling up their businesses have also been undertaken. Digital platforms such as the Startup India portal and  BHASKAR  enable  easy  access  to  resources  and  startup  ecosystem collaboration. The Government is also encouraging corporates for supporting startups by way of mentorship, access to infrastructure, sharing resources and knowledge,  assistance  in  market  linkages  and  investor  connect.  These measures  are  complemented  by  regulatory  reforms  and  other  ecosystem development events and programs.

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