Overview of Startup Assam & The Innovation Policy

The "Startup Assam" initiative by the Government of Assam, primarily driven by the **Department of Industries & Commerce** and now a newly approved **Department of Innovation, Incubation, and Startup**, aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. The guiding framework is the **Assam Startup and Innovation Policy (latest seems to be 2025, building on 2017/2018 versions)**.

Key Objectives of the Policy:

• Foster Innovation: Create a culture of innovation and problem-solving, particularly addressing regional challenges.
• Promote Entrepreneurship: Encourage youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.
• Establish Assam as a Hub: Transform Assam into a leading startup hub in Northeast India.
• Generate Employment: Facilitate the growth of at least 5,000 new startups and create 1 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities over the next 5 years (as per 2025 policy draft).
• Attract Investment: Facilitate investment and provide financial support to promising startups.
• Develop Human Capital Support skill development and entrepreneurship training programs.
• Inclusive Growth: Support startups across all districts, with emphasis on rural and underrepresented communities.

A cornerstone of this initiative is "Assam Startup - The Nest," a state-owned incubation center located in Guwahati, designed to provide comprehensive support to budding entrepreneurs.

Who is Eligible to be a "Startup" in Assam?

To be recognized as a startup under the Assam Startup Policy and avail benefits, an entity must generally meet the following criteria (often aligned with DPIIT's Startup India definition):

• Incorporation/Registration The entity must be incorporated as a:
  • Private Limited Company (under the Companies Act, 2013)
  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) (under the LLP Act, 2008)
  • Registered Partnership Firm (under the Partnership Act, 1932)
  • Note: Sole Proprietorships are generally not eligible for MASI recognition, but may benefit from other general MSME schemes.*
• Age of Entity: The date of incorporation/registration should not be prior to ten years (seven years for general startups, ten years for biotech startups).
• Annual Turnover: Annual turnover should not exceed INR 100 Crores (previously INR 25 Crores) in any of the preceding financial years.
• Innovation & Scalability: The entity must be working towards innovation, development, deployment, or commercialization of new products, processes, or services driven by technology or intellectual property. It should also have the potential to generate employment or create wealth and be scalable.
• New Business: The entity should not be formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business, nor an extension or expansion of an existing family business.
• Assam Connection: Applicant must have an existing business in Assam or be willing to set up a new business in Assam, thereby contributing to its economic development.
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP): For incubation support at "The Nest," having at least an MVP with Proof of Concept (POC) is usually required, with preference given to those with demonstrated traction and a full-time core team.
• *Excluded Industries: Ventures involved in alcohol, tobacco, gambling, firearms, and explosives are generally not supported.

My Assam Startup ID (MASI) Recognition

MASI is a unique identification that recognizes an entity as a startup under the Assam Startup Policy. Obtaining MASI enables a startup to access the state-wide infrastructure network and various fiscal and non-fiscal benefits through the Assam startup portal.

Eligibility for MASI Recognition:

Beyond the general eligibility criteria mentioned above, a startup typically needs to demonstrate its innovative nature through one of the following:

• DPIIT Startup India recognition certificate.
• A patent filed in the entity's name (and published) related to the business.
• Sanction/Assurance Letter of funding/grant from Government of India or any State Government under a specified scheme.
• Letter of funding by an Incubation Fund/Angel Fund/Private Equity Fund/Accelerator/Angel Network registered with SEBI that endorses the innovative nature of the business.
• If none of the above, a one-page write-up/note explaining the innovative nature of the entity's business model. (Business plan submission is encouraged).

Application for MASI Recognition is FREE of cost.

Benefits and Incentives under Startup Assam Policy

The Assam Startup and Innovation Policy offers a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to recognized startups:

Financial Incentives:

• **Seed Funding/Grant:** Provision for seed funding (e.g., up to ₹10 lakhs) to validate proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, and early market entry.
• **Scale-Up Grant:** For startups with MASI, potential for scale-up grants for business expansion.
• **Reimbursement for Patent Filing:** Up to 100% reimbursement of actual costs for patent filing (e.g., up to ₹1 lakh for domestic, ₹5 lakh for international patents), including filing, attorney, and maintenance fees.
• **GST Reimbursement (SGST):** Reimbursement of State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) for manufacturing startups after a specified period (e.g., 5 years) or for a certain duration based on fixed capital investment.
• **Digital Upgradation Subsidy:** Up to 50% subsidy (e.g., maximum ₹1 lakh) for the purchase of computers, software, and hardware.
• **Lease Rental Reimbursement:** Up to 50% of rental cost (e.g., maximum ₹5 lakhs for three years) for office space.
• **Power Subsidy:** Up to 50% for electricity (e.g., maximum ₹1 lakh for five years).
• **One-Time Incentives for Hiring:** For hiring women, transgender, and differently-abled persons (e.g., ₹5,000 per person, up to ₹1 lakh for three years).
• **Sustenance Allowance:** Monthly allowance (e.g., ₹20,000 per month for one year) for eligible entrepreneurs floating startups.
• **Marketing & Promotion Assistance:** Reimbursement of 50% of marketing and promotion costs (e.g., up to ₹5 lakhs) for various activities.
• **Interest Subsidy:** On term loans for manufacturing equipment.
• **Concessional Land Allotment:** 50% concession on lease premium, monthly maintenance, and annual ground rent for a period of 3 years for startups obtaining MASI in industrial parks/estates.

Non-Fiscal Incentives & Support:

• **Incubation Support ("The Nest"):**
  • Physical & Virtual Incubation: Co-working space, IT infrastructure, shared services, conference rooms, high-speed internet, lockers, canteen facilities.
  • Mentorship: Dedicated mentorship from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs.
  • Networking Opportunities: Access to a network of mentors, investors, corporates, and other startups.
  • Funding Connect: Assistance in connecting with various funding sources (angel investors, VCs, government schemes).
  • Capacity Enhancement & Training: Programs on various aspects of entrepreneurship (finance, marketing, legal, etc.).
  • Branding & Visibility: Support for market access and promotion.
  • Hub & Spoke Model: Zonal Innovation Hubs set up in academic institutions across the state to extend incubation support.
• Ease of Doing Business: Simplified regulatory procedures and self-certification under certain labor and environmental laws (aligned with DPIIT recognition).
• Access to Government Tenders: Recognized startups may get preference in government procurement.
• Skill Development & Workforce Training: Programs in collaboration with ITIs and industry linkages.
• Academic Intervention: Encouraging entrepreneurship among students from early stages.

Online Registration Process for Startup Recognition (MASI)

The primary portal for registering your startup and obtaining MASI recognition is the official "Startup Assam" portal:

1. Visit the Official Startup Assam Portal:
   • Go to startup.assam.gov.in
2. New User Registration: If you are a first-time user, you will likely need to register on the portal by creating a user ID and password using your mobile number and email ID.
3. Navigate to "Startup Recognition - MASI": Look for this section on the website (e.g., under "Benefits" or a direct link on the homepage).
4. Click "Apply Now": This will lead you to the online application form.
5. Fill the Standard Form: Provide accurate details about your startup, including:
   • Entity Type (Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership Firm)
   • Name of the Startup
   • Date of Incorporation
   • Nature of Business / Sector
   • Details of Founders/Directors
   • Annual Turnover
   • Number of Employees
   • Brief about your product/service and its innovation.
   • Your business plan.
6. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents, which typically include:
   • Incorporation/Registration Certificate of your entity.
   • Proof of Innovation (DPIIT certificate, patent, funding letter, or a detailed write-up explaining innovation).
   • PAN Card of the entity.
   • Identity and Address Proofs of Directors/Partners.
   • Bank Account Details.
   • Any other documents as specified on the portal.
7. Submit Application: Review all information carefully and submit the application. You will receive an acknowledgment.
8. Screening & Selection: Your application will undergo a multi-stage screening process based on set guidelines. This may include a review of your business plan and potentially a presentation to a Selection Committee Panel.
9. MASI Issuance: Upon successful selection and approval, your startup will be granted the My Assam Startup ID (MASI). You will be informed of the decision and can then avail the benefits.

The application process for MASI recognition is generally free of cost. However, separate charges may apply for specific benefits or incubation services post-recognition.

Incubation Support at "Assam Startup - The Nest"

The Nest is the flagship incubation center in Guwahati, offering a conducive environment for startups to thrive. To apply for incubation support:

1. Visit the Startup Assam Portal: Go to startup.assam.gov.in
2. Navigate to "Incubation": Look for the Incubation section on the menu bar.
3. Click "Apply Now" (for Incubation): Fill out the specific application form for incubation support.
4. Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for incubation (e.g., MVP with POC, full-time core team, Assam-based business).
5. Screening & Presentation: Your application will be screened, and you may be called for a presentation of your business plan/idea to the selection committee.
6. Onboarding: If selected, you will be onboarded for physical or virtual incubation services.

The Nest provides services like co-working spaces, IT infrastructure, mentorship, networking, funding connections, training, and branding support. They also run various programs like "Ignite Program" for different cohorts of startups.

Important Resources & Contacts

• Startup Assam Official Website: startup.assam.gov.in - This is your primary resource for policies, application, and updates.
• Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Assam:** The nodal department.
  • Website: industries.assam.gov.in
• National Single Window System (NSWS): For DPIIT Startup India recognition, which is often a prerequisite or helpful for state-level benefits.
  • Portal: www.nsws.gov.in
• Sewa Setu Portal, Government of Assam: May host other related services or certifications.
  • Portal: sewasetu.assam.gov.in
• Assam Startup - The Nest (Physical Location): G.N.B. Road, Ambari, Guwahati, Assam.
• Contact: Look for "Contact Us" or "FAQ" sections on the Startup Assam portal for specific helpline numbers or email IDs.