Applications are currently open for the Scale-up Grant, a program from Kerala Startup Mission designed to support innovative, technology-based startups that have achieved strong market validation and are prepared to expand their operations. Managed by Shahil Haneef, the initiative provides growth-stage companies with non-dilutive financial support to enter new markets, strengthen their commercial capabilities, and accelerate revenue growth.
Program Focus
• Scaling business operations
• Market expansion
• Branding and marketing
• Business development
• Customer acquisition
• Revenue growth
• Limited product enhancement
• Commercialization of innovative technology-based products
Funding and Support
• Financial Assistance: Provides grant funding of up to ₹15 lakh.
• Purpose: The funding can primarily support marketing, branding, business development, customer acquisition, market expansion, and limited product enhancement, subject to the applicable spending limits.
• Target Stage: Intended for growth-stage startups with strong market validation, proven commercial traction, and the capacity to scale their operations.
• Disbursement: The grant is released in milestone-based tranches. KSUM generally disburses 50% in the first tranche, with the remaining amount released after a progress review and submission of the required utilization certificate.
• Margin Money: Selected startups must contribute margin money equal to 50% of the approved grant amount.
Eligibility for Previous Grantees
• Previous Idea, Productization, or Market Acceleration Grant Recipients: Eligible to claim only the remaining admissible amount available under the Scale-up Grant scheme.
• Previous Scale-up Grant Recipients: Startups that previously received the former ₹12 lakh Scale-up Grant are eligible only for an additional ₹3 lakh.
Applicant Requirements
• Revenue or Funding: The startup must have generated at least ₹10 lakh in revenue from its product during the previous six months or raised at least ₹30 lakh through external equity investment.
• Product: The startup must own an innovative, technology-based product.
• KSUM ID: The applicant must hold a valid Kerala Startup Mission Unique ID.
• Incorporation: The startup must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership, or One Person Company and maintain an active status with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Application and Selection Process
• Application: Eligible startups must apply through the KSUM website during an official call for applications.
• Initial Screening: KSUM officials review submitted applications, and shortlisted startups are notified by email.
• Pitching: Shortlisted applicants present their business, product, growth strategy, and proposed fund-utilization plan before an expert committee.
• Evaluation: Applications are evaluated based on the team, product innovation, marketing strategy, financial performance, and grant-utilization plan.
• Approval: Recommendations from the expert committee are submitted to the KSUM CEO or chairman for final approval.
• Documentation: Selected startups must submit the required incorporation documents, revenue or investment evidence, company PAN, KSUM Unique ID, bank details, financial statements, and a CA-certified No Dues and Margin Money Certificate with a valid UDIN.
• Agreement: Approved startups must execute an agreement with KSUM before the grant is released.
• Reporting: Recipients must submit an interim progress report and utilization certificate before receiving the second tranche.
Application Details
• Application Status: Applications can be submitted through the official Kerala Startup Mission grant portal when the official call is active.
• Application Deadline: Kerala Startup Mission does not currently state a fixed closing date for the Scale-up Grant. Applicants should verify the active call and applicable timeline through the official KSUM portal before applying.
• Scheme Manager: Shahil Haneef
• More Information: Further details, application procedures, and scheme guidelines are available through Kerala Startup Mission’s official channels.
Interested startups that meet the eligibility requirements should review the complete scheme guidelines before applying. Applicants should prepare clear evidence of product revenue or external equity investment, a detailed scaling strategy, measurable project milestones, and a comprehensive plan explaining how the requested grant will support market expansion and revenue growth.