LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh has recorded an impressive presence under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) SAMRIDH (Start-up Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth) scheme, with several start-ups and accelerators from the state selected for financial support and mentorship. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s start-up ecosystem by encouraging innovation and providing critical support for growth and sustainability. According to officials, 10 accelerators from Uttar Pradesh submitted expressions of interest under the SAMRIDH initiative, of which 4 were shortlisted. Through these selected accelerators, 35 start-ups from the state received acceleration support. Of these, 27 start-ups secured funding, amounting to approximately Rs 10 crore in total disbursements under the programme.
The SAMRIDH scheme provides matching funding of up to Rs 40 lakh per start-up, along with financial assistance to accelerators that mentor and support participating enterprises. The funding is designed not only to strengthen product development and technological innovation but also to help start-ups expand their market reach.
State officials stated that Uttar Pradesh’s strong performance under the programme reflects ongoing efforts to improve coordination between central and state government schemes, ensuring that entrepreneurs can access support mechanisms effectively. By enhancing monitoring, mentorship, and market-linkage systems, the state has created a more conducive environment for start-up growth.
Officials emphasised that the aim is not only to offer capital support but also to provide guidance, business networking, and mentorship, ensuring long-term success. These efforts align with the broader vision of the Digital India initiative, which envisions innovation-driven entrepreneurship as the backbone of socio-economic development.
The Uttar Pradesh government attributed the positive results to an ecosystem built over recent years through progressive policy measures and administrative reforms that encourage entrepreneurship. Reforms such as simplified approval systems, single-window clearances, and industry-friendly policies have helped streamline processes for new ventures, reducing bureaucratic hurdles that once slowed start-up development.
Moreover, the expansion of IT and electronics infrastructure in the state, along with skill development initiatives, has played a key role in nurturing emerging entrepreneurs. Uttar Pradesh’s performance under SAMRIDH demonstrates tangible results of these efforts, as more youth are now turning to entrepreneurship rather than traditional employment.
Under the SAMRIDH scheme, funding is strategically allocated to support start-ups with innovation potential and scalability. The matching fund mechanism ensures that start-ups receive financial backing that complements their own or investors’ contributions, fostering accountability and sustainable growth.
The funding also targets product innovation and technology enhancement, encouraging start-ups to move beyond ideation and focus on real-world solutions. This support enables entrepreneurs to test, prototype, and commercialise their ideas, helping them compete not only nationally but also globally.
Accelerators also provide mentorship and guidance to start-ups in areas such as product design, market entry, investor connections, and business strategy. This helps new businesses turn their ideas into real products and services. Officials have also set up regular monitoring and feedback systems to ensure that start-ups keep getting help from the scheme. The focus on market linkages allows young entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, investors, and government networks to grow their ventures.
