Submissions open for Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (India)

Stages

• Quarter 1: Idea clarification and exploration (Months 1-3):
  • Objective: Establish a clear understanding of the problem and explore the initial concept:
    • Problem definition: Innovators will articulate a well-defined problem statement that their proposed solution aims to address.
    • Conceptual description: Innovators will develop a concise description of their idea, outlining the proposed solution and how it addresses the identified problem.
    • Initial feedback collection: Innovators will seek preliminary feedback from potential users, mentors, or stakeholders.
• Quarter 2: Concept development and testing (Months 4-6):
  • Objective: Translate the idea into a simple, tangible concept that can be shared and tested:
    • Development of a rough concept: Innovators will create a basic representation of their idea, such as a visual sketch, diagram, or preliminary model.
    • Concept testing with stakeholders: Innovators will present the concept to a small group of users, mentors, or stakeholders.
    • Refinement based on feedback: Innovators will refine their concept based on the feedback received.
• Quarter 3: Validation and Preliminary Planning (Months 7-9):
  • Objective: Validate the concept and begin outlining a simple strategy for future development:
    • Confirmation of concept feasibility: Innovators will validate the feasibility of their idea, ensuring that it effectively addresses the identified problem and that there is sufficient demand for the proposed solution.
    • Preliminary planning: Innovators will draft a simple plan outlining the next steps in the development of their idea.
• Quarter 4: Finalization and Future Planning (Months 10-12):
  • Objective: Finalize the concept and prepare for the next stages of development or implementation:
    • Finalization of concept: Innovators will finalize their concept, incorporating all feedback and adjustments from earlier stages.
    • Exploration of support opportunities: Innovators will explore potential avenues for further support, such as grants, partnerships, or mentorship, which will be essential for transitioning their idea from concept to implementation.
    • Presentation and next steps: Innovators will present their finalized concept to a group of stakeholders, including mentors, potential investors, or program partners.

Funding Information

• RGEP aims at supporting innovators through a monthly stipend/subsistence grant of Rs. 25,000 for a period of 12 months.
• The grant amount to support the Innovator (INR 3,00,000) would be released to the Program Monitoring Partner upon final selection of the Innovator and signing of Tripartite Agreement between KITS, Program Monitoring Partner and the Innovator.
• A Program Support Fee of INR 32,500 per selected Innovator per year will be provided to the designated Program Monitoring Partner (PMP) to facilitate and support key activities under the Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP).

Role and Responsibilities

• Innovators:
  • Develop business ideas: Innovators must develop a technology-based or innovation driven business idea with commercial potential.
  • Regular reporting: Innovators are required to provide periodic updates on their progress, including details on the evolution of their ideas, progress toward goals, and plans for the future.
  • Adherence to milestones: Innovators are expected to work towards broad milestones and timelines established in collaboration with their Program Monitoring Partners.
• Program Monitoring Partners:
  • Milestone development: Collaborate with Innovators to develop broad measurable milestones that align with program guidelines and objectives during the Program period of 12 months.
  • Mentorship and guidance: Program Monitoring Partners must provide mentorship to innovators, helping them navigate the challenges of starting a business, refining their ideas, and connecting them with necessary resources.
  • Progress monitoring: Conduct monthly progress reviews with Innovators to assess their advancement towards milestones. Program Monitoring Partners must ensure Innovators remain focused and on track to meet their broad objectives.
• Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society:
  • Selection of Innovators: Invite applications from prospective Innovators to apply for the RGEP and facilitate final selection of Innovators eligible for support under the Program.
  • Onboarding of Program Monitoring Partners: Reaching out to potential Program Monitoring Partners and mapping of Innovators to Program Monitoring Partners.
  • Fund management: Manage the disbursement of funds to Program Monitoring Partners.

Eligibility Criteria

• The innovator/applicant should:
  • be a citizen of India (domicile of Karnataka)
  • have completed 3 or 4 years of degree (science/engineering), preference would be given to 2 years full time work experience post degree
  • should not be working as an employee with any company for remuneration (contract/outsourced/permanent)
  • should not have invested/hold any stake in any other Startup
  • must be 30 years or younger as on the date of application
  • must be solely dedicated to pursuing the proposed business idea for the program duration of 12 months after selection.
• Proof of Citizenship and domicile:
  • Aadhaar card/Passport/Voter ID for proof of Indian citizenship.
  • Certificate of Domicile/Ration card/Voter ID for proof of Domicile.
• Educational qualification:
  • Degree certificate (Science/Engineering) indicating the completion of 3 or 4 years of study.
  • Startup involvement declaration:
  • Self-declaration affidavit confirming that the applicant has not invested in or holds any stake in any other startup.

Evaluation Criteria

• The jury evaluates applications based on various criteria, including:
  • Novelty/Innovation
  • Potential Socio-economic Impact
  • Clarity of the Problem Statement
  • Feasibility and Implementation
  • Commercial Potential

For more information, visit Startup Karnataka.