Delhi’s new grant scheme empowers young entrepreneurs with financial aid, mentorship, and resources to turn innovative ideas into successful startups. Aimed at fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem, the initiative supports youth in Delhi through seed funding and incubation programs, positioning the capital as a global innovation hub by 2030.
Delhi Govt Launches Grant Scheme to Ignite Youth Entrepreneurship
The Delhi government has unveiled an ambitious grant scheme under its Startup Policy to empower young entrepreneurs and position the capital as a global innovation hub by 2030. Announced as part of the Business Blasters Senior initiative, the program targets students from state-funded universities and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), offering Rs 50,000 in seed funding to kickstart their ventures. This move builds on the success of the school-level Business Blasters program, which has already produced inspiring success stories, such as a Class 12 student running a logistics startup employing 50 people and another developing low-cost Bluetooth speakers during the pandemic.
The scheme is designed to address India’s rising unemployment rate by fostering job creators rather than job seekers. Delhi’s industries department has set a goal to support 15,000 startups by 2030, providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including up to 50% rent subsidies for startup offices and partial salary support for employees. The initiative also integrates entrepreneurship education into the curriculum for Classes IX-XII and extends support to college students, allowing them up to two years of leave to focus on building their businesses.
Mentorship and investor networking are key components of the program. Top-performing teams receive opportunities to pitch their ideas to investors, enhancing their chances of securing further funding. The government’s collaboration with incubators and industry stakeholders ensures startups have access to state-of-the-art tools, research and development labs, and free cloud credits. For instance, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, aligned with Delhi’s efforts, provides up to Rs 20 lakh for proof of concept and Rs 50 lakh for market entry or scaling, disbursed through incubators.
Delhi’s startup ecosystem is already showing promise. In 2023, over 100 student-led startups from Delhi schools showcased their ideas to investors, demonstrating the city’s growing entrepreneurial spirit. Success stories like Brahmastra, a mini-inverter project by students from Shaheed Hemu Kalani Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, highlight the potential of youth-driven innovation. The project, which caters to small shop owners, has sold 78 units with a profit margin of Rs 450 per unit.
The scheme also draws inspiration from national initiatives like Startup India, which has recognized over 1.57 lakh startups and created 17.28 lakh jobs as of December 2024. Delhi’s focus on Tier II and III cities, alongside its urban hubs, aligns with this broader vision to democratize entrepreneurship. By providing a robust support mechanism, the government aims to nurture talent and break societal barriers that push youth toward conventional career paths.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and announcements from the Delhi government and related sources. Information is sourced from credible news outlets and government platforms, including The Hindu, Times of India, and Startup India. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.