Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced special incentives for women, persons with disabilities, transgender individuals and entrepreneurs from economically weaker sections (EWS) under its new Startup Policy 2026, aimed at promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, generating employment and strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the policy seeks to ensure that economically and socially disadvantaged groups have greater access to entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
A key provision of the policy offers an additional 50 per cent incentive on assistance for prototype development and seed capital to eligible startups in which entrepreneurs from these categories hold at least 51 per cent ownership. In addition to the regular incentives, eligible startups can receive additional financial assistance of up to ₹12.50 lakh, helping them overcome initial funding challenges and establish sustainable businesses.
The policy emphasises that the minimum 51 per cent ownership requirement is essential to ensure genuine participation, leadership and decision-making authority for the targeted groups, rather than merely formal representation.
The government has also made provisions for additional support to startups receiving financial assistance from national or international institutions, potentially encouraging private investment and strengthening investor confidence in the state’s startup ecosystem.
The policy aims to promote entrepreneurship across a wide range of sectors, including information technology, agritech, healthcare, edtech, fintech, defence technology, electronics, artificial intelligence, deep tech, biotechnology and green energy. It also encourages startups focused on social innovation, rural development, waste management, the circular economy, renewable energy, climate change and environmental conservation.
The initiative seeks to address regional economic disparities, create local employment opportunities and promote environmentally sustainable development. By extending targeted financial support to entrepreneurs with limited resources, the government aims to make innovation and business creation more accessible to a wider section of society.
Uttar Pradesh has already emerged as one of India’s leading startup destinations, with more than 17,000 recognised startups. The new policy is expected to further accelerate this growth by encouraging young people to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Beyond financial assistance, the policy reflects the state’s commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment. By enabling women, persons with disabilities, transgender individuals and EWS entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses, the government aims to build a more diverse, resilient and innovation-driven economy.
The Startup Policy 2026 is expected to play a significant role in positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading startup hub while creating opportunities for thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs and advancing the vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh and a developed India.
