iStart Rajasthan Programme: Eligibility, Funding, and How to Apply

iStart Rajasthan combines funding, incubation, startup evaluation, and ecosystem access to support businesses at different stages of development. Its features are designed to help founders move from an early idea towards commercialisation and growth.

• Seed funding: Eligible startups can access financial support of up to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on the applicable funding stage and assessment.
• Incubation support: Startups can receive free incubation through iStart Nests, helping founders access mentoring, infrastructure, and ecosystem connections.
• Investor access: The platform connects startups with investors and other ecosystem stakeholders to support fundraising and business growth.
• QRate assessment: Startups can undergo QRate evaluation, with ratings ranging from Bronze to Signature to indicate their assessed startup stage and potential.
• Sector-agnostic support: The iStart Rajasthan programme covers startups across sectors, subject to its eligibility conditions, rather than restricting support to one specific industry.

iStart Rajasthan provides startups with financial assistance, incubation, investor access, procurement opportunities and mentoring support. The programme's funding ecosystem includes seed assistance of up to Rs. 10 lakh, while the Bhamashah Startup Promotion Fund has an allocation of Rs. 500 crore.

iStart Rajasthan registration requires different documents depending on the applicant category and whether the startup is seeking funding. Keeping identity, entity, business and financial documents ready can make the registration and subsequent funding process easier.

To understand how to apply for iStart Rajasthan online, follow the startup registration route through the iStart Rajasthan portal and Rajasthan SSO system.

• Visit the portal: Open the iStart Rajasthan portal and click Startup from the main menu.
• Start registration: Select Startup Registration from the available options. This begins the iStart Rajasthan registration process.
• Access SSO: You will be redirected to the Rajasthan SSO (Single Sign-On) portal.
• Create your SSO ID: Select the appropriate registration route for Citizens, Government Employees or Udyog.
• Log in: Use your newly created SSO credentials to access your account.
• Complete your profile: Return to the iStart portal and enter the required startup, founder and entity details.
• Submit for review: Verify the information entered and submit your startup registration for review.

SSO registration: Citizens

iStart Rajasthan applicants registering as citizens can create an SSO identity using several supported digital options.

• Select the Citizen registration option on the Rajasthan SSO portal.
• Choose an available identity method, such as Aadhaar, Facebook, Bhamashah, Google or Twitter.
• Enter the required details, complete verification and create your SSO credentials.

SSO registration: Government employees

iStart Rajasthan provides a dedicated SSO route for eligible government employees, with SIPF ID required for verification.

• Select the Government Employee registration option.
• Enter your SIPF ID and other requested details.
• Complete verification and create your SSO credentials for accessing the relevant services.

SSO registration: Udyog (industries)

iStart Rajasthan provides Udyog or industry applicants with a separate SSO registration route using recognised business identifiers.

• Select Udyog on the Rajasthan SSO registration page.
• Enter either your Business Registration Number (BRN) or Udyog Aadhaar Number (UAN).
• Complete business verification and create your SSO credentials.

Applicants who need assisted access to Rajasthan's online services can also use an e-Mitra centre as an alternative support route.

To understand how to apply for iStart Rajasthan online after registration, complete your startup profile, obtain a QRate evaluation and then submit the relevant funding application through the portal.

• Log in: Access the iStart Rajasthan portal using your Rajasthan SSO credentials.
• Complete your startup profile: Add your idea, target market, business model, team details and other requested information.
• Upload documents: Submit your pitch deck in PDF format along with proof-of-concept or prototype documents, where applicable.
• Apply for QRate: Submit your profile for evaluation as part of the iStart Rajasthan funding process.
• Receive your rating: Complete the evaluation process and receive your QRate rating, ranging from Bronze to Signature.
• Choose funding: After obtaining a valid QRate rating, apply for the applicable funding support, such as sustenance allowance, seed funding or a marketing grant.
• Submit financial documents: Upload the required financial records and complete the funding application.
• Track the application: Use the Check Status option on the iStart portal to monitor progress.

The initial application process can be completed online, so you do not need to make a physical visit to a government office to submit it.

You can track your iStart Rajasthan registration status online through the startup section of the iStart portal and Rajasthan SSO.

• Visit the portal: Open the iStart Rajasthan portal and click Startup.
• Select status: Choose Check Status from the available options.
• Access SSO: You will be redirected to the Rajasthan SSO portal.
• Log in: Enter your SSO credentials to view the current status of your startup registration.

Before applying to iStart Rajasthan, check the eligibility conditions, funding requirements and potential limitations so you can plan your application appropriately.

• QRate requirement: Funding above Rs. 5 lakh requires a valid QRate rating; without it, seed or marketing funding cannot be accessed.
• Green funding structure: Green startup funding can combine loan and equity support rather than functioning as a pure grant, so repayment implications should be assessed.
• Existing-business restriction: Startups formed by reconstructing or splitting an existing business are not eligible.
• Startup age: The standard eligibility window is 7 years, while biotechnology startups can qualify for up to 10 years.
• Evaluation timelines: Approval and disbursement can vary according to QRate evaluation cycles, so avoid assuming a fixed funding timeline.
• Turnover limit: Turnover exceeding Rs. 25 crore at the time of application makes the startup ineligible.

These conditions should be reviewed carefully before applying under the iStart Rajasthan programme.

Once your iStart Rajasthan registration and relevant funding support are approved, additional financing may help cover working capital, equipment purchases or business expansion. Bajaj Finance Business Loan can complement government support when a startup begins moving towards revenue and needs additional business funding.

The appropriate financing depends on the amount required, repayment capacity and intended use of funds. Before borrowing, compare the applicable business loan interest rate and estimate repayments using a business loan EMI calculator.

For smaller businesses, an MSME loan can provide another financing route, while reviewing the applicable MSME loan interest rate can help you assess the borrowing cost before proceeding.