Growth Grant:Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply
Apply for the Growth Grant for young founders. Get up to ₹1.7 Crore in funding, mentorship, and access to a global network.
What is the Growth Grant Scheme?
The Growth Grant is a free funding programme for young founders and early-stage startups. Selected applicants receive grant money they do not have to pay back, mentorship sessions, and direct access to investors and experienced business professionals — without giving up any ownership in their company.
To apply, you must be a founder under 35 with a registered business in India, at the idea or early prototype stage. You do not need existing sales or customers to apply — which is what makes this different from most private grants that only consider businesses already earning revenue.
Benefits of the Growth Grant Scheme
Non-refundable grant
Up to ₹1.7 Crore (~USD 200,000) in seed capital.
No academic restrictions
Participants are encouraged to focus on their venture and can defer university enrollment.
World-class Mentorship
Access to global leaders and growth strategy experts.
Global Networking
Connections with other founders, scientists, and venture capitalists.
Creative Freedom
The flexibility to pursue the project from anywhere in the world.
Growth Grant Eligibility Criteria
The Growth Grant targets young, innovative entrepreneurs who are ready to take their ventures to the next stage. It is important to understand the Growth Grant eligibility before preparing your business registration documents.
Applicants must be 22 years or younger at the time of application.
Must not hold a university degree; must be willing to defer or drop out.
High-impact idea with early traction or a strong, validated vision.
Full-time commitment to the startup is mandatory.
Can be a proprietorship, LLP, or Private Limited.
Documents Required for the Growth Grant Application
To ensure your application is reviewed favorably, you must have all Documents required for Growth Grant submission ready. This preparation is similar to what is needed for the MeitY Genesis EIR 2 program.
Pitch Deck
A detailed presentation of the problem, solution, and market size.
Executive Summary
A one-page overview of your vision.
Business Plan
Comprehensive roadmap including financial projections.
Technology Description
Details of the MVP or working prototype.
Founders' CVs
Proof of technical capability and founder-market fit.
Legal Documents
Business registration and MSME certification (if applicable).
Traction Metrics
User base, revenue, or partnership letters.
