The Startup India initiative, launched by the Government of India in 2016, is a flagship program designed to foster a robust ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides a range of benefits and support to eligible startups. The key to accessing these benefits is to obtain recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

 

Why Choose Startup India Registration?

Registering your startup under the Startup India scheme offers a multitude of benefits that are crucial for early-stage companies.

• Tax Exemptions: Eligible startups can avail a 3-year income tax exemption within their first 10 years of incorporation. Additionally, there are exemptions on "Angel Tax" for investments above a certain limit.

• Simplified Compliance: Startups are allowed to self-certify compliance under 6 labour and 3 environmental laws, which reduces the regulatory burden and the need for frequent inspections for up to 5 years.

• Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: The scheme provides a fast-track process for patent and trademark applications, along with an 80% rebate on patent filing fees. The government also bears the cost of facilitators for IP filings.

• Access to Government Schemes and Funding: DPIIT-recognized startups are eligible to apply for various government-backed funding schemes, such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and the Fund of Funds for Startups.

• Relaxed Public Procurement Norms: Startups are exempt from prior experience or turnover criteria when bidding for government tenders, which opens up a significant market for them.

• Networking and Mentorship: The Startup India portal provides access to a vast network of incubators, mentors, and investors, offering crucial guidance and support for business growth.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Recognition

To be recognized as a startup by DPIIT, an entity must meet the following criteria:

• Type of Entity: It must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a Registered Partnership Firm.

• Age of the Entity: The company should not be more than 10 years old from the date of its incorporation.

• Annual Turnover: Its annual turnover should not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any of the preceding financial years.

• Originality: The entity must not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.

• Innovation: The business must be working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products, processes, or services, or have a scalable business model with a high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.

 

The Complete Registration Process 

The entire process is free, online, and managed through the National Single Window System (NSWS) and the Startup India portal.

 

Step 1: Business Incorporation

Before applying for DPIIT recognition, your business must be legally incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm. This is the prerequisite step.

 

Step 2: Register on the Startup India Portal

• Visit the official Startup India portal.

• Create an account by providing basic details like your name, email ID, mobile number, and a password.

• Verify your account using the OTP sent to your email.

 

Step 3: Apply for DPIIT Recognition

• Log in to your dashboard on the Startup India portal.

• Navigate to the "Get Recognised" section, which will redirect you to the National Single Window System (NSWS).

• On the NSWS, fill out the "Startup Recognition Form." You will need to provide detailed information about your business.

 

Step 4: Fill and Submit the Application Form

The form requires you to provide details on:

• Entity Details: Name, CIN/LLPIN, date of incorporation, and address.

• Authorized Representative: Name, designation, and contact details.

• Directors/Partners: Details of all directors or partners.

• Business Activities: A detailed description of your product/service, the problem it solves, its uniqueness, and how it generates revenue.

• Innovation: A self-certification that your business is innovative and has a scalable business model.

 

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation (or Partnership Deed).

• Proof of Innovation: This is a crucial document. You must provide a pitch deck, a website link, or a video that explains your product/service and its innovative nature.

• PAN Card of the entity.

• Proof of Funding (if any).

 

Step 6: Review and Issuance of Certificate

• After submission, DPIIT officials review your application. If there are any discrepancies or queries, they will be raised on your dashboard.

• Upon approval, you will receive a digital Certificate of Recognition via the portal and email. This certificate is the key to unlocking all the benefits.