Incentives for Startups
1. Patent Filing Cost Reimbursement
The cost of filing and prosecution of patent applications will be reimbursed to the incubated start-up companies subject to a limit of Rs. 2 lakh per Indian patent awarded. For awarded foreign patents on a single subject matter, up to Rs. 10 lakhs would be reimbursed. The reimbursement will be done in 2 stages, i.e., 50% after the patent is filed and the balance 50% after the patent is granted.
2. Internet Bandwidth Cost Subsidy
Startups will get reimbursement of 100% of bandwidth costs until the start of commercial production with a maximum ceiling of Rs. 40,000 per year.
3. Reimbursement of Power Charges
Startups will get reimbursement of 100% of the actual power charges paid to TSECL until the start of commercial production or for 3 years, whichever is earlier.
4. Support for POC
The startup needs to demonstrate the POC (Proof of Concept) within three months. Once the POC is approved, the startup council will provide a subsidy of up to 80% of the total project cost, not exceeding Rs. 10 Lakh. The startup council will review the progress quarterly.
5. Marketing Development Support
Entrepreneurs with innovative IT/ITeS products or services generating revenue but needing guidance and funding to scale up can apply for the scheme. The investor must provide a product roadmap and revenue potential plan to the startup council. The state government will provide market development support through FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and IITF (India International Trade Fair).
6. Recruitment Assistance
To promote startup industries, the government shall offer one-time recruitment assistance of Rs. 30,000 per employee of IT background involved in the core area of the project. This assistance will be applicable for recruitment during the first year only and limited to up to 5 employees per startup.
7. Assistance for Startup Funding
The government shall encourage banks, financial institutions, and angel investors to extend and enhance their lending facilities to startups and set up dedicated desks in select branches for easy funding for commercialization and business expansion. The government shall also encourage angel investor networks and various seed capital funding agencies to forge strategic partnerships with industry and startup associations in the state.
8. Preferable Timeline
The timeline for implementing various incentives and support systems will be communicated through the startup portal and other relevant channels to ensure that startups have timely access to the benefits.