Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025: How The State Plans to Boost Innovation & Jobs?

Chandigarh is gearing up to become the next big startup hub in India. In a major move to strengthen its position on the country’s startup map, the Chandigarh Administration has officially launched the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025. The new policy aims to support over 200 startups in the next five years and create a thriving ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

The policy was formally launched at a special event held at the Punjab Raj Bhawan, in the presence of several senior government officials, industry leaders, academic experts, and members of the startup ecosystem. The event was presided over by Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh.

Governor Bats for Startup-Led Growth

Addressing the gathering, Governor Kataria highlighted that the new startup policy is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant and startup-driven India.

“Just like Bengaluru, Pune, and Ahmedabad, Chandigarh too can become a vibrant startup destination. Our youth are tech-savvy and talented. With the right support, they can build successful ventures,” he said.

The Governor also pointed out that promoting startups can help tackle serious social issues like drug abuse in the region. He stressed on the need for a collaborative approach involving industry, educational institutions, and government departments to drive real impact.

What the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Offers

The newly launched policy focuses on four main pillars:

1. Funding and Incentives

2. Infrastructure and Incubation Support

3. Ease of Doing Business

4. Special Focus on Women, Transgender, and Green Startups

Key Goals of the Policy:

• Support the creation and growth of 200+ startups over the next five years.

• Encourage research and innovation among students and entrepreneurs.

• Promote inclusivity by supporting women-led, transgender-led, and underrepresented groups.

• Offer assistance from ideation to commercialization stages.

The Administration has set aside an annual budget of ₹10 crore for the implementation of this policy for the next five years.

Administrative Structure for Implementation

To ensure proper execution and monitoring of the policy:

• A High Powered Committee (HPC) chaired by the Chief Secretary of Chandigarh will oversee strategic decisions and policy amendments.

• A Policy Monitoring & Implementation Committee (PMIC) led by the Secretary, Industries will look after day-to-day approvals, disbursement of incentives, and operational matters.

Incentives for Startups and Incubators

The Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 offers a wide range of financial and non-financial incentives:

Financial Incentives for Startups:

• Idea Stage Grant:
  ₹2 lakh for top 20 startups and ₹1 lakh for next 50 startups via a Grand Competition.

• Seed Stage Grant:
  Up to ₹7 lakh per startup. Additional ₹2 lakh for women/transgender-led startups.

• Early-Stage Commercialisation Grant:
  Up to ₹12 lakh per startup. Additional ₹2 lakh for women/transgender-led startups.

• Rental Subsidy:
  ₹5000/month for 12 months for using recognized co-working spaces.

• Certification Support:
  80% of the cost, capped at ₹1 lakh per startup.

• Patent Support:
  80% of the cost, capped at ₹10,000 per startup.

• Conference Participation:
  Reimbursement of up to ₹2.5 lakh for national/international events.

• Acceleration Program Support:
  Reimbursement of up to ₹3 lakh.

Financial Incentives for Incubators:

• Technology Upgradation Grant:
  25% of project cost, up to ₹30 lakh (public) and ₹20 lakh (private).

• Sustenance Allowance:
  ₹7.5 lakh per year for operational expenses.

• Mentorship Program Support:
  ₹5 lakh annually for startup mentorship activities.

Non-Financial Incentives:

• Free access to incubation facilities for one year.

• Relaxed public procurement norms.

• Self-certification under six labour laws.

• Subsidized stalls at India International Trade Fair (IITF) and other expos.

• Dedicated "Start-in-Chandigarh" portal for all startup services and information.

Focus on Building a Culture of Innovation

The policy also lays a strong foundation for promoting entrepreneurship in educational institutions:

• Entrepreneurship Cells (E-Cells) to be set up at schools, colleges, and ITIs.

• Faculty Development Programs to train educators in entrepreneurship.

• Startup Fests and Hackathons to be held regularly with an annual allocation of ₹30 lakh.

• Awareness programs to be supported through an annual budget of ₹20 lakh.

Strong Stakeholder Participation

The launch event saw wide participation from key players in the ecosystem. Senior officials present included:

• Rajeev Verma, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration

• Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor of Chandigarh

• Vivek Pratap Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab

Institutions such as Panjab University, PGIMER, Punjab Engineering College, IIT Ropar, ISB Mohali, IISER Mohali, NABI, and STPI were also represented.

Several startup founders and leaders from industrial and investor networks including CII, PHDCCI, ASSOCHAM, TiE, Chandigarh Angels Network, Punjab Angels Network, and Innovation Mission Punjab attended the event.

The launch ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a networking Hi-Tea session. This allowed entrepreneurs, investors, academicians, and officials to connect and explore collaboration opportunities.

A Promising Future Ahead for Chandigarh's Startup Scene

The Chandigarh Administration reiterated its strong commitment to making the city a national example of a robust startup ecosystem. With a clear roadmap, financial support, infrastructure, and policy backing, the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 is expected to attract investments, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth.

As implementation begins, all eyes are on how Chandigarh will translate this ambitious plan into on-ground success — and potentially become the next emerging startup destination of India.