Applications are invited for Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program. Apply by April 26.
About RGEP
The Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP) is a pivotal initiative designed to cultivate innovation and foster entrepreneurship among young and talented graduates, constituting a shift from traditional job seeking to entrepreneurship by offering them viable career options and to stimulate job creation and technological advancements, thereby promoting an innovation-driven economic growth within Karnataka.
RGEP aims at supporting innovators through a monthly stipend/subsistence grant of Rs. 25,000 for a period of 12 months, helping them survive the uncertainties during the phase of ideation. It typically concludes with a prototype/ Minimum Viable Product (MVP)/ Proof of Concept that has business potential. Innovators in the RGEP will be required to attach with designated Innovation Hubs, such as K-Tech partners and the progress of the innovator during the period of program (12 months) would be monitored by them, ensuring that all innovators are closely monitored through their entrepreneurial journey.
Eligibility
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.
Program Process
- Call for Applications
- Initial Screening and Pre-Evaluation
- Jury review and selection
- Final selection and approval by the Steering Committee
- Onboarding of Program Monitoring Partners (PMPs)
- Milestone setting and Initial Planning
- Program Execution and Monitoring
- Fund disbursement
- Program activities and events
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Program conclusion and final evaluation
Funding
| Funding support | Disbursal of Funds |
| Grant to selected Innovators under the Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program | 100% of 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. The Program Monitoring Partner will be responsible for ensuring the timely disbursal of the monthly stipend or subsistence grant to the Innovator on a consistent basis. Any delays in the disbursal must be promptly reported to KITS within three working days of such a delay. The release of the monthly stipend or subsistence grant will be contingent upon the Innovator’s performance and progress, measured against the predefined milestones and monthly reviews of the Innovator’s idea or innovation. In cases where the Innovator demonstrates under-performance or non-performance during the program period (monthly reviews), the disbursal of the grant will be halted, and KITS will be immediately notified for further action. |
| Program Support Fee to Program Monitoring Partners under the Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program | 100% of the Program Support Fee per Innovator (INR 32,500) shall 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 |
Deadline
April 26 2025.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through this link.
