ASPIRE — Innovation, Rural Industries & Entrepreneurship
Funds Livelihood and Tech Business Incubators. Founder play: get hand-holding via an ASPIRE-funded incubator for rural/agri-rural enterprise.
Quick facts
- Ministry / Agency
- Ministry of MSME
- Funding
- ₹75 L – ₹1 Cr
- Stage
- ideation, prototype
- Sector
- Any sector
- Equity dilution
- none
- DPIIT recognition required
- No
- NRI / OCI eligibility
- Eligibility depends on the implementing agency — check with the specific lender or scheme office.
Who is eligible
Apply via ASPIRE-funded LBI/TBI; 109+ incubators
How to apply
ASPIRE is administered by Ministry of MSME. Applications are submitted through the official portal — there are no application fees and you do not need to go through third-party intermediaries.
Apply on the official portalRelated schemes
Other schemes that often pair with ASPIRE or apply to a similar profile.
SFURTI — Scheme for Regeneration of Traditional Industries
Cluster-based programme for traditional artisans. Funds common facility centres, market linkages, design support, capacity building. Strong fit for traditional manufacturing and handicrafts founders.
Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)
AIM funds incubators (₹10 Cr over 5 yrs). Founder play: partner with one of 50+ AICs. Application portal currently closed (early 2026).
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
Up to ₹20 L grant for PoC/prototype + up to ₹50 L convertible/debt for market entry. Apply to up to 3 incubators. ₹605+ Cr deployed to 3,400+ startups.
PMEGP — PM's Employment Generation Programme
New-unit setup loan with 15-35% margin money subsidy. Special category (women, SC/ST, OBC, NER, hilly) gets 25% urban / 35% rural. Works for shops, manufacturing, services.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for ASPIRE?+
Apply via ASPIRE-funded LBI/TBI; 109+ incubators
What is the funding amount under ASPIRE?+
₹75 L – ₹1 Cr. ₹75 L–₹1 Cr to incubator
Can NRI or OCI founders apply for ASPIRE?+
Eligibility depends on the implementing agency — check with the specific lender or scheme office.
Does ASPIRE require DPIIT recognition?+
No — DPIIT recognition is not required for ASPIRE.
How do I apply for ASPIRE?+
Apply through the official portal at aspire.msme.gov.in. The scheme is administered by Ministry of MSME.
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