In a significant move to position Chhattisgarh as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, the state government has approved the Chhattisgarh Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy 2025–30. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the Mahanadi Bhawan.
The new policy aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem across the state and create wider opportunities for youth to engage in entrepreneurship. Officials said the initiative aligns with the long-term roadmap of Amritkaal: Chhattisgarh Vision @2047, under which innovation-driven industries are considered a key growth engine.
Until now, startups in Chhattisgarh were supported through provisions under broader industrial policies. However, the absence of a dedicated startup policy had limited progress in areas such as incubation, investment facilitation and innovation support. The lack of a separate policy also affected the state’s performance in the national State Startup Ranking issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The newly approved framework seeks to address these gaps.
Under the policy, only startups officially recognised by the state government will be eligible for financial assistance and incentives. Early-stage startups with a proven concept will be provided seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh to develop their Minimum Viable Product (MVP). To improve access to investment, the government will establish a ₹100 crore Chhattisgarh Startup Capital Fund, which will invest in startups through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
To strengthen bank financing support, a ₹50 crore Credit Risk Fund will be created. Through this mechanism, recognised startups will be able to avail collateral-free loans of up to ₹1 crore, backed by credit guarantees. In addition, startups will receive interest subsidies of up to 75 percent on term loans or working capital, capped at ₹50 lakh, for a period of five years.
The policy also focuses on market access and expansion. Startups participating in national and international startup-focused events will receive reimbursement of up to 50 percent of expenses, including travel, registration and exhibition booth charges. Financial support will also be provided for digital advertising and branding on online platforms. Startups that successfully raise investments will be eligible for additional incentives linked to fund mobilisation.
Further incentives include relaxations in government procurement, exemptions on stamp duty for land and building documents, and rental subsidies for startups operating from incubation centres or leased premises for up to three years. Grants will also be available for fixed capital investment, quality certification, patent filing, project reports and procurement of technology from government research institutions.
Employment generation has been given special emphasis under the policy. Startups providing more than ten permanent jobs will receive monthly support of ₹6,000 for women employees and ₹5,000 for men employees. Additional wage subsidies of up to 40 percent for a period of five years will be provided to startups employing persons with disabilities, retired Agniveers, and individuals affected by or displaced due to Naxalism.
The state government believes that the implementation of the Chhattisgarh Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy 2025–30 will significantly boost investment, encourage the creation of new startups, and generate large-scale employment opportunities. The policy is expected to play a crucial role in establishing Chhattisgarh as a competitive and innovation-driven startup destination at the national level.
