Delhi clears Rs 400-crore start-up policy to create jobs, back young entrepreneurs

Delhi has approved a new start-up and incubation policy with Rs 400 crore support over five years. The move aims to help students and young entrepreneurs become job creators through institutional backing.

In Short

• Policy aims to turn youth into job creators and boost innovation
• Includes 11 universities, 13 colleges, ITIs, polytechnics and schools
• State Incubation Policy Monitoring Committee to oversee implementation

The Delhi government has approved its Start-Up and Incubation Policy, setting aside more than Rs 400 crore over five years to support innovation and self-employment. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the policy is aimed at helping young people turn their ideas into start-ups and building Delhi into one of the country’s leading centres for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The policy, cleared by the Delhi Cabinet, will extend to 11 state universities, 13 government-aided colleges, and the government’s ITIs and polytechnic institutions. Students of Delhi government schools will also be able to use the policy’s benefits through these institutions, and successful students will be given financial assistance, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

A State Incubation Policy Monitoring Committee will be set up to oversee the policy’s implementation. The panel will include representatives from the government, educational institutions, industry and the start-up ecosystem. The government will also hold an annual Delhi Start-up Youth Festival to bring together young innovators, educational institutions, start-ups, investors, industry representatives and policymakers on a common platform.

Gupta said, "The initiative is not just about helping people launch start-ups, but about transforming Delhi’s youth from job seekers into job creators." She said the incubation centres would provide young entrepreneurs with modern infrastructure, expert mentoring, and access to laboratories and testing facilities, among other services.

Under the policy, eligible institutions will receive one-time financial assistance to set up and strengthen incubation centres. These centres will also get annual support for mentoring, networking, innovation activities and the development of the start-up ecosystem. Start-ups linked to these centres will receive milestone-based financial assistance at different stages of growth, including prototype development, proof of concept, product development, market validation and commercialisation.

The government said the policy is intended to expand Delhi’s innovation culture, create employment opportunities, encourage research-driven innovation, strengthen collaboration between industry and educational institutions, and support the capital’s knowledge-based economy.

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