Scheme for Assistance for Research and Development Activities
You as an enterprise or R&D institution in Gujarat can benefit from the Scheme for Assistance for Research & Development (R&D) Activities, run by the Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat. It is part of the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 and aims to promote, enrich and strengthen the R&D ecosystem in Gujarat by supporting new research laboratories and contract/sponsored research work engaging MSMEs in collaboration with recognized R&D institutions. The benefit to you is that you may receive financial assistance for setting up R&D infrastructure or for contract research enabling product or process innovation.
Key Features
- Support for establishing R&D labs/institutions or via industry-association labs – Assistance is provided to new R&D institutions or laboratories set up with government collaboration, or labs set up by industry associations.
- Support for contract/sponsored research work with recognized institutions – Assistance is provided for research projects commissioned by industrial enterprises/associations to recognized R&D institutions/technical colleges (AICTE approved) excluding land/building cost.
- High reimbursement rates/ceiling based on project type – For labs by industry associations, up to 60% of project cost for machinery/equipment, and for contract work up to 50% of project cost subject to maximum cap (e.g., ₹50 lakh) excluding land/building.
- Operative period tied with policy and guideline – The scheme has detailed operating guidelines published (for example in 2024) defining submission, appraisal and disbursement procedures.
- Focus on innovation, MSME linkage and collaborative research – The design encourages research institutions to collaborate with industrial enterprises (including MSMEs) so that research output flows to practical applications
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
- Manufacturing enterprises (MSMEs or large industries) registered and operational in Gujarat.
- Recognized R&D institutions, universities, and industrial associations involved in applied research.
- Companies collaborating with approved national or international research bodies for product or process innovation.
Who Cannot Apply
- Pure trading or marketing entities without manufacturing/R&D operations.
- Units outside Gujarat or without proper registration under MSME/Udyam/Companies Act.
- Applicants availing similar R&D incentives under another Gujarat scheme for the same project component.
Documents Required
- MSME/Udyam/Company registration certificate.
- Detailed R&D project report with budget breakdown.
- Collaboration/MoU copy (if applicable) with institution or research partner.
- CA-certified cost statement for proposed or ongoing R&D expenditure.
- Proof of land/building ownership or lease for R&D centre.
- Invoices for laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Bank account details
Application Process for the Scheme
Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)
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Option 2: Apply via the Official Government Portal
- Visit the official Industries Commissionerate, Gujarat or Investor Facilitation Portal.
- Register your enterprise or institution under the scheme.
- Fill in the online application form for “Assistance for R&D Activities” with project and cost details.
- Upload the required supporting documents (listed below).
- Submit the application for review by the State Level Empowered Committee.
Option 3: Through the District Industries Centre (DIC)
- Contact your nearest DIC for application assistance.
- Submit your project report, budget estimates, and research objectives.
- DIC forwards the proposal to the Industries Commissionerate for further processing.
Frequently asked questions
What types of research projects are typically eligible under this scheme?
Projects focused on developing new products, improving manufacturing processes, enhancing industrial technologies or creating innovative solutions that improve industrial productivity are generally considered eligible under the scheme.
Can MSMEs establish in-house R&D laboratories under the scheme?
Yes. MSMEs may receive assistance for setting up dedicated research and development facilities within their manufacturing units, provided the R&D activities are directly related to industrial innovation.
Are joint research projects with universities supported?
Yes. Enterprises collaborating with universities, research institutions or technology centers for industrial research may qualify for financial assistance under the scheme.
Can prototype development be included in R&D activities?
Prototype development is often considered part of research and development activities if it contributes to the development of new products or technologies.
Is there a minimum investment requirement for R&D projects?
Policy guidelines may specify minimum investment thresholds or project size requirements for eligibility under the scheme.
Can startups conducting industrial research apply for the scheme?
Manufacturing startups engaged in technology development or industrial research may be eligible if their projects meet the policy requirements.