Introduction The Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP) is a startup support initiative launched by the Government of Karnataka to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among young Science and Engineering graduates. The programme is implemented through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) under the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology. It aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable businesses by providing financial assistance, mentorship, and industry support during the early stages of startup development. Through this programme, selected innovators receive financial backing to focus full-time on their ideas without the immediate pressure of generating revenue or seeking employment. The scheme primarily supports innovations at the ideation, prototyping, or proof-of-concept stage and helps entrepreneurs build scalable, commercially sustainable solutions. In addition to funding, participants gain access to startup ecosystem partners, networking opportunities, expert guidance, workshops, and market validation support. The programme follows a competitive selection process where applications are evaluated based on innovation, problem-solving potential, social impact, feasibility, and commercial viability. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online via the Startup Karnataka portal, providing details of their proposed innovation, a pitch deck, and supporting documents. Benefits Monthly financial assistance of ₹25,000 for 12 months. Total grant support of up to ₹3 lakh per selected innovator. Mentorship from designated Program Monitoring Partners (PMPs). Guidance for developing a Prototype, MVP, or Proof of Concept. Regular one-on-one mentoring and progress review sessions. Access to startup workshops, industry experts, and networking events. Support for market research, validation, business strategy, and pitching. Exposure to investors and startup ecosystem stakeholders. Structured milestone-based entrepreneurial development programme. Eligibility Applicant must be an Indian citizen and domicile of Karnataka. Must possess a 3-year or 4-year degree in Science or Engineering. Age should not exceed 30 years at the time of application. Should not be employed in any organization for remuneration. Must not hold ownership or investment in another startup. Must commit full-time to the proposed startup idea for 12 months. Innovation should be in the ideation, validation, or early prototype stage. Commercialised products or revenue-generating startups are not eligible. Total grants received for the proposed idea should not exceed ₹5 lakh. The product, service, or solution should not have been launched in the market. Documents Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID as proof of Indian citizenship. Karnataka Domicile Certificate, Ration Card, or Voter ID. Science or Engineering Degree Certificate. Self-declaration regarding non-involvement in other startups. Completed RGEP Pitch Deck. Recent passport-size photograph. Any additional documents requested during evaluation. Process to Apply Visit the Startup Karnataka Portal. Open the Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP) page. Read the programme guidelines and eligibility conditions carefully. Download and prepare the prescribed pitch deck. Click on the "Apply Now" option. Fill in personal, educational, and startup idea details. Upload the required documents and pitch deck. Review all information and submit the application online. Eligible applicants will be shortlisted for jury evaluation and presentation. Selected innovators will be onboarded into the programme after approval. Important Links RGEP Scheme Details Online Application Form Startup Karnataka Portal Department of Electronics, IT & BT Contact Startup Karnataka Cell: 080-22231007 Email: startupcell@karnataka.gov.in Email: rgep.startupkar@gmail.com FAQs Q1. What is the Karnataka Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program?It is a startup support programme that provides financial assistance, mentorship, and business development support to young innovators in Karnataka. Q2. How much financial assistance is provided under RGEP?Selected innovators receive ₹25,000 per month for 12 months, totaling ₹3 lakh. Q3. Who can apply for the programme?Science or Engineering graduates from Karnataka aged 30 years or below who have an innovative startup idea can apply. Q4. Can working professionals apply for RGEP?No. Applicants should not be employed or receiving remuneration from any organization during the programme period. Q5. Is a startup registration mandatory before applying?The idea should be in the early stage and applicants must meet all programme eligibility conditions. Detailed requirements are specified in the official guidelines. Q6. What type of startup ideas are eligible?Ideas in the ideation, validation, or early prototype stage that have innovation and commercialization potential are eligible. Q7. How are candidates selected?Applications are screened and shortlisted candidates present their ideas before an expert jury. Final selection is approved by the Steering Committee. Q8. What support is provided apart from funding?Participants receive mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, market validation support, and business development guidance.