India has been coming up with various programmes for startups for a long time. The Karnataka State Government has now launched its ambitious programme called Unnati.
This programme is basically focused on promoting technology startups steered by SC/ST entrepreneurs as well as those that are developing a product or a solution with a strong rural-focus.
“We will support these startups by way of funding which can go up to Rs 50 lakh,” Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge said.
The programme has been divided into two categories so as to provide benefits. These include:
– The startups where an SC/ST entrepreneur has a substantial stake with a hands-on role in the management. For this, the only criterion is the idea has to be good enough regardless of the sector.
-The startups can be run by anyone from any community, however, must be working on solving a real-world problem in areas like health, education, sanitation, waste segregation, and mechanised scavenging in rural areas.
“We want their invention to have a lasting social impact,” the Minister said. “Funds are not an issue if startups come up with good ideas. If the response is good, the budget can go up to Rs 100 crore.”
For this purpose, the government has set aside a budget of Rs 20 crore to encourage startups that will result in job creation and skill development among Dalit and Adivasi youth. Also, it aims to set aside a budget of Rs 20 crore to encourage startups that will result in job creation and skill development among Dalit and Adivasi youth.
A screening committee of three members chaired by the Minister will screen proposals and evaluate them. The applications forms for this will be made available at Kalyanakendra.com from October 10. The scheme is for all startups that are under four years, and are registered as an entity in Karnataka, with half of their workforce employed in the State.