New Delhi, The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Start-Up and Incubation Policy, committing more than ₹400 crore over the next five years to support innovation, research, entrepreneurship and self-employment across the national capital.
Announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday, the policy seeks to establish an institution-led support system through which students, researchers, faculty members, alumni and aspiring entrepreneurs can develop their ideas into commercially viable businesses.
In its initial phase, the policy will cover 11 state universities, 13 government-aided colleges, government polytechnic institutions and Industrial Training Institutes. Students from Delhi government schools will also be able to access its benefits through participating institutions.
Eligible institutions will receive one-time financial assistance to establish new incubation centres or strengthen existing facilities. The centres will also receive annual operational support for mentorship programmes, networking events, innovation activities and broader startup-ecosystem development.
Startups associated with these incubation centres will receive milestone-based financial assistance across different stages of development. The support will cover proof of concept, prototype development, product development, market validation and commercialisation. The incubators will additionally offer office infrastructure, expert mentoring, business advisory services, intellectual-property assistance and access to laboratories and testing facilities.
“The initiative is not just about helping people launch start-ups, but about transforming Delhi’s youth from job seekers into job creators,” Gupta said.
Implementation will be monitored by a State Incubation Policy Monitoring Committee comprising representatives from the Delhi government, educational institutions, industry and the startup ecosystem. The committee will oversee execution, evaluate performance and recommend financial support based on established milestones.
The government will also organise an annual Delhi Start-up Youth Festival. The event will bring together innovators, startups, investors, academic institutions, industry representatives and policymakers to showcase new ideas, develop partnerships and connect emerging entrepreneurs with funding and mentoring opportunities.
By integrating incubation and startup support with universities, colleges and technical institutions, the policy is designed to create a pipeline of campus-based ventures. It also seeks to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, promote research-driven innovation and expand Delhi’s knowledge-based economy.
The policy was approved and announced on July 16; reports published on July 17 concern the Cabinet’s Thursday decision
