Maharashtra Approves Startup, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Policy 2025: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha; Maharashtra Aims To Create 1.25 Lakh Entrepreneurs
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, August 5: Aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and an innovation-driven economy, the “Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Policy 2025” was approved in the State Cabinet meeting held on August 5, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis. The policy has been officially launched today, informed Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
Minister Lodha stated that this policy has been formulated by the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and will be implemented through the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS). The policy envisions transforming Maharashtra into India’s most dynamic and future-ready startup hub over the next five years, with an ambitious goal of creating 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs and recognizing 50,000 startups. It focuses on inclusivity, innovation, and economic resilience to build a globally competitive ecosystem. Special attention will be given to urban, rural, women, and youth entrepreneurs, emerging technologies, and underserved communities.
A key component of the policy is the “Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Mega Fund.” Under this initiative, 5 lakh aspiring entrepreneurs will be registered, out of which 1 lakh will be selected through assessments, competitions, and hackathons. In the final stage, 25,000 candidates will receive technical support, financial assistance, and training to help them become successful entrepreneurs or innovators. Selected individuals will be eligible for collateral-free loans ranging from Rs5 lakh to Rs10 lakh, facilitated through partner financial institutions. A corpus of Rs500 crore will be raised for a period of 5 years, which will be managed under the supervision of financial experts.
To strengthen infrastructure, the government will establish micro-incubators in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, and other educational institutions, along with dedicated Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centres (RIECs) in every division. These centers will focus on high-potential sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, DeepTech, FinTech, MedTech, Cybersecurity, and Sustainability. The state also plans to develop a 300-acre “Maharashtra Innovation City,” which will serve as a world-class innovation and research hub for startups, corporates, academia, and government institutions.
Startups selected under the Maharashtra Startup Week will get the opportunity to work directly with government departments and receive work orders of up to rs25 lakh on a pilot basis. Furthermore, financial reimbursements will be provided for intellectual property rights, quality certifications, and participation in national and international exhibitions. Startups receiving confirmed work orders from credible clients such as public sector entities will also be supported in securing loans through financial institutions.
For the effective implementation of the policy, a dedicated administrative structure has been established. This includes a General Body chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and a Governing Council responsible for executing the policy. Every state department will allocate 0.5% of its annual budget towards innovation and entrepreneurship. All initiatives will be implemented through the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), which will serve as the apex body for innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
The policy was drafted following extensive consultations with citizens, startups, academic institutions, incubators, investors, and experts. It was specially guided by renowned scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar and supported by the Chief Executive Officer and team of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA). Based on their inputs, key initiatives were framed, including regional incubation support, improved mentorship frameworks, streamlined incentive processes, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship skill development.
With over 30,000 DPIIT-recognized startups, Maharashtra already leads the Indian startup ecosystem. The 2025 policy not only aims to accelerate this momentum but also provide meaningful expansion. Through inclusive innovation, accessible support, and world-class infrastructure, Maharashtra is setting a bold course for sustainable and resilient economic growth.
This policy goes beyond mere incentives—it represents the State’s strong commitment to empowering entrepreneurs who bring transformative ideas to life. It marks a decisive step toward establishing Maharashtra as a national and global hub for innovation-led entrepreneurship, with a firm resolve to lead in this domain.
