Lucknow: For investors looking at UP’s growing startup ecosystem, the new Startup Policy 2026 offers a wider range of financial support, including matching grants for startups that raise institutional funding and a Rs 100-crore patient capital window for deep-tech ventures.
Startups receiving financial assistance from recognised national or international institutions or missions will be eligible for a matching grant of up to 50% of the amount raised, subject to a ceiling of Rs 5 crore, according to the policy. The state will also provide matching support of up to 40% for R&D activities,” Kumar said. For early-stage investors and founders, the policy doubles the maximum prototype grant from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and raises the maximum seed funding from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. The policy also offers up to Rs 2 crore towards expenditure on recognised quality certifications and patent filing, helping startups strengthen their intellectual property and prepare for larger markets.
“The revised policy, approved by the state cabinet recently, has made many provisions to make investments in startups lucrative,” principal secretary, IT and electronics department, Alok Kumar told TOI on Monday. “The provision is aimed at giving startups additional capital for investment and business expansion,” he said. “In special circumstances, seed funding can go up to Rs 50 lakh,” he said.
The policy has also created a dedicated funding push for deep-tech ventures working in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technology, space technology, semiconductors and biotechnology.