Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program 2026

An early-stage fellowship program offering a monthly stipend and incubation support for individual innovators in Karnataka to develop ideas into prototypes.

The Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Program (RGEP) is a flagship initiative spearheaded by Startup Karnataka, designed to ignite and nurture innovation among the state's young and talented Science and Engineering graduates. This program represents a strategic shift from traditional job-seeking mindsets towards fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, providing viable career pathways and stimulating job creation within Karnataka's economy. By empowering nascent entrepreneurs, RGEP aims to accelerate technological advancements and drive innovation-led economic growth.

At its core, RGEP is structured to support 30 selected innovators annually through a comprehensive 12-month fellowship. Each innovator receives a crucial monthly subsistence grant, totaling ₹3,00,000 over the program's duration. This financial support is vital for helping innovators navigate the inherent uncertainties during the critical ideation and early development phases of their ventures. The program is designed to guide participants from an initial concept to the development of a Prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or Proof of Concept (PoC) that demonstrates clear business potential and market viability. Innovators are required to engage closely with designated Innovation Hubs, such as K-Tech partners, who provide continuous monitoring and mentorship throughout their entrepreneurial journey. This hands-on guidance ensures that participants receive the necessary support to transform their innovative ideas into tangible, market-ready solutions.