Gujarat launches a transformative mentorship program on June 23, 2025, to empower innovators under SSIP 2.0. Targeting young entrepreneurs, it offers expert guidance, funding up to ₹20 lakh, and access to incubation hubs like i-Hub and GUSEC. Aimed at fostering innovation, the initiative strengthens Gujarat’s startup ecosystem, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
Gujarat Unveils Game-Changing Mentorship for Startup Innovators
On June 23, 2025, Gujarat launched a groundbreaking mentorship program under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP 2.0), designed to nurture the state’s brightest entrepreneurial minds. Spearheaded by the Government of Gujarat, the initiative aims to bolster the startup ecosystem by providing innovators with expert guidance, substantial funding, and access to world-class incubation facilities.
The program, unveiled at a high-profile event at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, targets individuals and groups with innovative ideas, as well as institutions like universities, incubation centers, and R&D organizations. Eligible innovators can access up to ₹10 lakh for prototype development, ₹10 lakh for marketing assistance, and a monthly sustenance allowance of ₹10,000 for up to 12 months, as outlined by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC).
A key feature of the initiative is its collaboration with i-Hub, Gujarat’s premier startup ecosystem enabler. The program includes workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and investor pitching opportunities through the Startup RISE initiative. i-Hub’s incubation programs, particularly for women entrepreneurs, have already shown success, with structured capacity-building interventions to help startups scale. The mentorship program will also integrate design thinking and intellectual property (IP) support, with empaneled IP facilitators at i-Hub guiding innovators on patent filings and IP management.
Gujarat’s startup ecosystem has been gaining national recognition, with Gujarat University ranking among the top 10 universities for innovation under the ARIIA Rankings. GUSEC, a nodal institute for disbursing startup funds, has supported numerous startups through its Surge program, which provides up to ₹2 lakh for building minimum viable products (MVPs). The new mentorship initiative builds on this foundation, aiming to fast-track startups toward market readiness.
The program has already sparked enthusiasm among young innovators. At recent roadshows, students from cities like Vadodara showcased ideas ranging from smart agriculture tools to affordable solar innovations, highlighting the program’s potential to address real-world challenges. Industry leaders and policymakers at the launch emphasized the role of mentorship in bridging the gap between ideas and execution, positioning Gujarat as a hub for technological innovation.
Special emphasis is placed on inclusivity, with dedicated tracks for women entrepreneurs. Building on the success of i-Hub’s WEstart initiative, the program offers tailored mentoring and industry connections for women-led startups, fostering a more diverse entrepreneurial landscape.
With Gujarat’s startup ecosystem projected to grow significantly, the mentorship program is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s economic future. By empowering innovators with resources, expertise, and networks, Gujarat is cementing its position as a leader in India’s startup revolution.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government websites, press releases, and industry reports, including www.ssipgujarat.in, www.ihubgujarat.in, and www.gujaratuniversity.ac.in. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the latest updates.