Startup Srujan (S4) Scheme: Gujarat’s Big Boost for Student Innovators

Got an idea but no funds to build it? If you're a student or young innovator in Gujarat, Startup Srujan S4 could be your launchpad.

What is Startup Srujan Scheme (S4)?

The Startup Srujan Seed Support Scheme (S4) is Gujarat government’s flagship seed funding initiative under the SSIP 2.0 policy. Run by Gujarat’s i-Hub (a government-backed startup incubator), S4 offers early-stage grants between ₹2.5 to ₹10 lakh for students and youth-led startups. The idea? Take your prototype or proof-of-concept and help turn it into a market-ready product.

This isn’t just money. It’s part of a full support system: mentorship, lab access, and industry connections that early-stage innovators often struggle to find on their own.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

• Students (school to PhD level)
• Alumni or dropouts (up to age 35)
• Gujarat-based innovators only
• Any early-stage startup with a working prototype or MVP
• Sectors: Education, tech, agri-tech, health, energy, or any innovative domain

So whether you’re a 12th-grade student with a science fair invention or a college dropout building an app you qualify, as long as your roots are in Gujarat.

What You Get: Grant & More?

• Seed grant: ₹2.5–10 lakh
• Access to i-Hub incubator and its facilities
• Mentorship and industry connections
• Entry into Gujarat’s startup ecosystem

These grants are designed to reduce your early risks. You can use the funds for product development, testing, certifications, and early hiring.

Why This Scheme Stands Out

1. Student-first approach: Most schemes are for registered companies. S4 is open to individual students and non-incorporated projects.
2. Part of a bigger ecosystem: S4 is integrated with programs like WEstart and Startup Saksham.
3. Real impact: Past cohorts selected 100+ student-led startups across Gujarat.

How to Apply in Startup Srujan Scheme?

1. Visit the official i-Hub Gujarat website
2. Look for the Startup Srujan section
3. Prepare your proposal: include your prototype details, video demo, business plan, and use of funds.
4. Submit during an open cohort call (deadlines change with each cohort)
5. If shortlisted, attend pitch/demo day

Tips to Win the Srujan Grant

• Show a working prototype (not just an idea)
• Highlight the problem-solution clearly
• Explain how your product is innovative
• Mention potential impact (jobs, sustainability, affordability)
• Back your idea with real data (user feedback, test results, etc.)

What Happens After You Win?

Once selected, you get:

• Your grant released in tranches
• Mentoring from i-Hub’s expert panel
• Lab access and networking opportunities
• PR coverage (state promotes successful startups)

Your startup also becomes eligible for follow-up support from other state and central schemes.

Other Schemes You Can Combine With S4

• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): Up to ₹20 lakh from central government
• Startup Gujarat Industrial Policy: Additional ₹30 lakh, plus sustainance allowance
• MUDRA Loans / CGTMSE / PMEGP: For scaling once product is live

Many successful founders apply to 2-3 schemes simultaneously for maximum runway.

Why Gujarat is Betting Big on Youth Startups?

The state’s SSIP 2.0 policy earmarked ₹500 crore for student innovation. Through i-Hub, over 840 startups have already been incubated. From wearable health devices to agri-drones, Gujarat wants to be India’s leading youth startup hub and Startup Srujan is the spark.

How StartupFlora Guides You Get the Grant?

Grant paperwork is complex. StartupFlora simplifies it. We’re a startup consultancy that helps innovators apply for schemes like S4. We:

• Check your eligibility
• Help craft a strong proposal
• Prepare pitch decks, financials, and forms
• Track deadlines and cohort calls

We've helped rural innovators, women founders, and tech grads secure funds. If you want expert help without drowning in documentation, StartupFlora is your go-to.

FAQs About Startup Srujan (S4)

Q: Can I apply if I’m not a registered company yet?
A: Yes. S4 is open to individuals and unregistered teams too.

Q: Is the grant a loan? Do I need to repay it?
A: No, it's a grant not a loan. No repayment is needed.

Q: How many times can I apply?
A: You can apply each time a new cohort is announced.

Q: What if I don’t get selected?
A: You can apply again in the next round or explore other schemes.

Q: Can I use the funds for salaries or marketing?
A: Mostly yes, as long as it's justified in your plan. Core use is for R&D, product dev, etc.

Ready to Apply for Srujan S4?

Don’t let your idea gather dust. Startup Srujan is your chance to go from prototype to product with support, not just funds. If you’re a student, innovator, or youth startup in Gujarat, this scheme is made for you.

Need help applying? StartupFlora can guide you every step of the way.

Let’s build something brilliant together.