The Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP) is an initiative to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship among young graduates in Karnataka. It aims to shift mindsets from traditional job-seeking to entrepreneurship by providing viable career options and fostering job creation and technological advancements.

Program Overview

The RGEP supports innovators with a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 for 12 months, helping them navigate the initial uncertainties of ideation. The program aims to culminate in a prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or Proof of Concept with business potential.

Innovators will be associated with designated Innovation Hubs, such as K-Tech partners, who will monitor their progress throughout the program. This ensures close supervision and guidance during their entrepreneurial journey.

Key stakeholders include the Innovators, Program Monitoring Partners (PMPs), and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), which serves as the Implementation Agency (IA).

Eligibility Criteria for Innovators

To be eligible for the RGEP, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that participants are dedicated and capable of pursuing their entrepreneurial ventures.

• Must be a citizen of India with domicile in Karnataka.

• Must have completed a 3 or 4-year degree in science or engineering. Preference will be given to those with 2 years of full-time work experience post-degree.

• Must not be employed by any company for remuneration.

• Must not have invested in or hold any stake in any other startup.

• Must be 30 years or younger as of the application date.

• Must be solely dedicated to pursuing the proposed business idea for the 12-month program duration.

Applicants must provide proof of citizenship and domicile, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID. They also need to submit their degree certificate and a self-declaration affidavit confirming no investment in other startups.

Roles and Responsibilities

Innovators are expected to develop technology-based or innovation-driven business ideas with commercial potential. They must provide regular progress updates to their designated Program Monitoring Partners.

Innovators should adhere to milestones established in collaboration with their PMPs, participating in mentorship sessions, workshops, and networking events. Compliance with program rules, including attendance at mandatory meetings, is essential.

Program Monitoring Partners (PMPs) collaborate with Innovators to develop measurable milestones. They provide mentorship, conduct monthly progress reviews, and submit periodic reports to the Steering Committee.

PMPs also facilitate access to resources, coordinate program activities, and ensure compliance. They may recommend termination of support if Innovators fail to meet milestones or demonstrate progress.

KITS is responsible for selecting Innovators, onboarding PMPs, managing funds, and monitoring program progress. They ensure compliance with financial, administrative, and program guidelines.

Program Process and Key Steps

The program begins with a Call for Applications, specifying eligibility criteria and deadlines. Interested individuals submit their applications online via the Startup Karnataka web portal.

Applications undergo initial screening and pre-evaluation by KITS to ensure basic eligibility and completeness. Eligible applications then proceed to a Jury Review Stage, evaluated by a panel of experts based on innovation, socio-economic impact, feasibility, and commercial potential.

The final list of recommended innovators is presented to the Steering Committee for approval. Selected innovators sign an agreement to participate in the program.

Innovators are mapped to Program Monitoring Partners based on sectoral expertise and geographical considerations. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is signed between KITS, the Innovator, and the PMP.

Funding and Support

Selected Innovators receive a grant of INR 3,00,000 to support their venture. This amount is released to the Program Monitoring Partner upon final selection and signing of the Tripartite Agreement.

The PMP is responsible for disbursing a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 to the Innovator. The release of the monthly stipend is contingent upon the Innovator's performance and progress, measured against predefined milestones.

Program Monitoring Partners receive a Program Support Fee of INR 32,500 per Innovator to facilitate mentorship sessions, skill-building workshops, and other relevant support activities.

The PMP must submit monthly progress reports and utilization certificates to KITS. They are required to maintain separate no-lien savings bank accounts for the grant.