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iStart Rajasthan

Overview

iStart Rajasthan is a flagship initiative under the Department of Information Technology & Communication (DoIT&C), Government of Rajasthan, designed to catalyze innovation, drive entrepreneurship—and transform the state into a thriving startup hub. It provides a seamless platform for startups, incubators, mentors, investors, students, and corporates.

Since its launch in 2017, the program has supported over 6,000 registered startups, facilitated funding exceeding ₹1,000 crore, and created more than 37,000 jobs. It includes focused support for women-led ventures, rural startups, and student innovators.

Summary
Component Features & Benefits
Startup Registration
Centralized platform via SSO for registration and onboarding
Incubation Programs
Free facilities and mentorship through iStart Nest; virtual access statewide
Funding
Grants, loans, equity—₹2.4 lakh to ₹5 crore depending on startup maturity
TalentConnect
Jobs, internships, and projects between startups, corporates, and academia
School/Student Programs
66 Launchpad hubs; Ideathons across cities; fostering grassroots entrepreneurship
Market Access
e-Bazaar platform for B2C and B2G exposure
Impact Indicators
6,000+ startups; ₹1,000+ crore in investments; ~40,000 jobs created
Key Components & Services

1. Startup Registration & Portal Access

Startups, mentors, and incubators can register via a single-window system on the iStart portal. The platform supports streamlined onboarding through the Rajasthan SSO system, reducing administrative delays.

2. Incubation & Mentorship

The iStart Nest, located in Jaipur’s Techno Hub, offers free workspace, high-speed internet, mentorship, and investor preparation.
The Virtual Incubation Program (VIP) extends these benefits to startups across the state digitally. A decentralized network of support cells across districts ensures equitable access.

3. Funding & Investment Support

Startups can access grants and capital:

  • Up to ₹2.4 lakh for idea or prototype stage (higher for women-led startups).

  • Up to ₹60 lakh in the seed phase.

  • Up to ₹2 crore in loans.

  • Equitable equity support up to ₹5 crore for select ventures.

Grant applications are accepted through a dedicated funding portal. For instance, by April 2025 alone, iStart had already engaged with nearly 5,900 startups, securing over ₹1,004 crore in funding and generating nearly 38,000 jobs.

4. TalentConnect Portal

TalentConnect connects startups with job seekers, students, institutions, and corporates. Registered startups post openings, while students and professionals can apply directly. Institutions showcase graduates, and corporates can offer projects/internships to startups.

5. iStart School & Ideathon Programs

The iStart Launchpad program spans 66 innovation hubs across schools and colleges in all 33 districts, offering workshops, mentorship, and incubation to thousands of students.

The iStart Ideathon, conducted across six cities, encourages students (Class 6–12 and college) to pitch startup ideas. With a reward pool of ₹8.4 lakh, the event nurtures early entrepreneurial spirit.

6. e-Bazaar Market Access

Startups registered with iStart can become sellers on e-Bazaar, a B2C and B2G marketplace powered by the government, expanding their reach to consumers and government procurement.

Major Milestones & Impact

  • Job Creation & Investment: Over 828 funded startups have secured ₹40.95 crore, creating nearly 40,000 jobs, and attracting more than ₹1,005 crore in investments. Women-led ventures alone account for 2,194 startups.

  • Prioritized Support: A substantial share of beneficiaries includes women entrepreneurs, rural startups, and student-led ventures, underlining the program’s inclusive approach.

  • Innovation School Hub (Bikaner): A dedicated hub, costing ₹52 crore, was announced to boost youth-friendly startup ecosystems akin to the Fintech Digital University.

Why iStart Matters

  • Unified Access: From registration and incubation to funding and employment—all services are offered through a one-stop, citizen-centric platform.

  • Inclusive & Scalable: Whether urban or rural, new or women-led, iStart provides tailored support to diverse entrepreneur segments.

  • Institutional Continuum: By encouraging innovation in schools, colleges, and beyond, the program ensures a steady pipeline of ideas.

  • Market-Aligned Support: TalentConnect and e-Bazaar connect startups with talent and customers, while Ideathons and innovation hubs nurture creativity.

  • Strong Performance: Thousands of startups have been supported, jobs created, and capital mobilized—testament to iStart’s effectiveness.

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