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Startup Manipur

Overview

  • The scheme is managed by the Planning Department, Government of Manipur under the brand “Startup Manipur”.

  • It builds on the earlier Manipur Startup Policy and was updated as “Manipur Startup Scheme 2.0 / Policy 2022”.

  • The scheme covers multiple “stages” of startups: idea stage, revenue stage, “Stand-Up” category (for disadvantaged groups), and existing entrepreneurs scaling up.

Key Objectives

  • Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and enable youth in Manipur to become job-creators rather than job-seekers.

  • Support prototype development, product trials, market entry and scale-up of startups in Manipur.

  • Build ecosystem infrastructure: incubators, innovation parks, business plan competitions, facilitation for startups.

  • Provide special support for under-represented groups (women, SC/ST/OBC/minorities) under the “Stand-Up” category.

Key Features & Benefits for Business Owners

Incentives

  • Seed Grant / Idea Stage: Up to ₹ 3 lakh for proof of concept, prototype, product trials, market entry.

  • Revenue Stage / Scale-up: Existing startups can avail financial assistance up to ₹ 100 lakh, which includes a 30% grant component from Startup Manipur.

  • Stand-Up Category: For startups belonging to disadvantaged sections, same financial assistance (up to ₹ 100 lakh with 30% grant) for new projects.

  • Reimbursement Benefits:

    • 100% reimbursement of Stamp Duty / Registration Fee / Conversion Fee on first sale/lease transaction of land/lease-deed.

    • Reimbursement of patent filing cost: Up to ₹ 2 lakh for domestic patent; up to ₹ 5 lakh for international patent. (100% actual cost reimbursement, payable 75% after filing and 25% after grant).

  • Infrastructure & Non-Fiscal Support:

    • Encouragement of sector-specific incubators (IT, ESDM, waste management, agri/horticulture, fishery/veterinary, food processing, textiles & garments) in the State.

    • Start-up/Innovation Park: Government will put effort to establish at least one dedicated park with common facilities (testing labs, design studio, tool rooms, shared services) in the State.

  • Procurement & Ease-of-Doing-Business Measures:

    • Recognised startups may be given preference in Govt. procurement; possibly exemptions from EMD in tenders.

Eligibility & What You Should Know

  • The business entity must qualify as a “startup” (following the definition similar to that of Startup India) — innovation driven, scalable, employment-generating.

  • Business must be located in the State of Manipur (or suitably registered/incubated in the State) and must apply through the Startup Manipur registration portal. apply.startupmanipur.in

  • For existing units applying under “Revenue Stage” or “Stand-Up” category: there are financial thresholds, grant percentages, and likely employment or scale conditions. E.g., that assistance includes up to Rs 100 lakh.

  • For reimbursement of stamp duty & patent filing costs: the startup must submit proof of payment, filing, grant, etc and follow application guidelines.

  • Under the idea/proof of concept stage: you must present an innovative / scalable idea, get incubation training, etc.

Why It Matters for Business Owners

  • The scheme provides financial boosts (seed grants, scale-up grants, and reimbursements) which reduce risk and help you innovate and scale.

  • It aims to build infrastructure & ecosystem around startups (incubators, innovation parks) — this means access to mentoring, labs, tool-rooms and shared services.

  • The location advantage: Manipur as a North-East State offers potential for new sectors, niche products, cross-border trade opportunities, and this scheme complements that.

  • Inclusive support: Special categories like Stand-Up favour women, SC/ST, minorities — if you belong and qualify you may get enhanced support.

  • It supports various stages — from proof-of-concept to full scale up — which means you can plug in at the stage that matches your business maturity.

Important Considerations & Risks

  • Though the scheme provides incentives, you still need a viable business plan, market demand, competitive product/service, robust execution. Incentives alone don’t guarantee success.

  • Infrastructure in parts of Manipur may still be developing — check logistics, connectivity (power, telecom, transport) before relying.

  • Scale up grants (e.g., up to ₹ 100 lakh) are substantial, but you may need to raise part of the financing yourself (grant is part of it, not necessarily full funding).

  • The scheme application and selection process may take time — you should plan time for incubation, documentation, approvals.

  • Some benefits (reimbursement of patent, stamp duty) are retrospective — you may need to invest first and then claim; ensure cash flow and compliance.

  • Though registration and portal exist, operationalisation, monitoring, disbursal may face delays — keep realistic timelines.

Key Links & Contact Points
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