Scaleup Grant

• Kerala tech startups with proven revenue or raised funding, ready to scale.

About this scheme

The Scale-up Grant, an initiative by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), the nodal agency of the Government of Kerala for entrepreneurship development, is designed to empower innovative, technology-based startups that have successfully achieved significant market validation. KSUM's mission is to foster innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth by supporting startups across different stages of their journey. This program specifically targets companies that are primed to scale their operations, having demonstrated proven traction and entering a high-growth phase, playing a pivotal role in nurturing Kerala's startup ecosystem.

The scheme provides substantial financial assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakhs, aiming to catalyze the expansion and growth of eligible startups. Funds are disbursed in milestone-based tranches, ensuring adherence to KSUM's guidelines and established performance benchmarks. A provision exists for startups that have previously benefited from other KSUM grants, such as Idea, Productization, or Market Acceleration Grants, allowing them to apply for the remaining eligible amount under the Scale-up Grant.

The funding is strategically intended to facilitate critical business development areas. It can be utilized for expanding into new geographical markets, strengthening branding and marketing initiatives, implementing product feature enhancements, and accelerating customer acquisition strategies to drive revenue growth. The grant primarily supports marketing, branding, business development, and customer acquisition, with specific caps applied to product enhancement activities, ensuring strategic allocation of resources for maximum impact.

Who can apply

• The eligibility criteria ensure that the Scale-up Grant targets businesses with proven potential and a solid foundation for growth.
• The requirement for significant revenue generation or external equity investment (Rs.
• 10 lakhs revenue in 6 months OR Rs.
• 30 lakhs external equity) is crucial, as it acts as a filter to identify mature startups that have validated their business model and possess the necessary traction to genuinely benefit from a scale-up grant.
• This demonstrates their operational viability and readiness for future expansion.
• Furthermore, the startup must own an innovative technology-based product, emphasizing the program's focus on high-potential, tech-driven solutions.
• Holding a valid KSUM Unique ID ensures recognition within Kerala's official startup ecosystem, enabling streamlined access to support.
• Incorporation as a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership, or One Person Company with active MCA status reflects the need for formal legal structures that facilitate professional operations, accountability, and investment readiness, essential for scaling.
• Startups that previously availed other KSUM grants are eligible, but only for the remaining amount under this scheme, promoting equitable distribution of support.
• Finally, a margin money of 50% of the approved grant amount must be brought by the startup, demonstrating genuine commitment and shared responsibility in the scaling process, signifying that founders are equally invested in the success.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP

Benefits & funding

• 15 lakhs financial assistance, disbursed in milestone-based tranches.
• Funds can be utilized for market expansion, strengthening branding and marketing initiatives, product feature enhancements, and accelerating customer acquisition strategies to drive revenue growth.
• The grant primarily supports marketing, business development, and customer acquisition.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Kerala Startup Mission, in your own name.

1. 1

   Starts with an initial screening by KSUM officials.

2. 2

   Shortlisted applicants pitch their proposals to an Expert Committee for rigorous evaluation.

3. 3

   Final approval is granted by the KSUM CEO/Chairman.

4. 4

   Approved startups submit documents and execute an agreement.

Documents checklist 8

• CA-certified No Dues & Margin Money Certificate with UDIN
• Revenue/Investment Proof
• Incorporation Documents
• PAN
• KSUM Unique ID
• Bank Details
• Balance Sheet for Last Two Years
• Stamp Paper

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions