Startup India is an initiative of the Government of India, aimed at promoting the launch of startups across the country. The Startup India scheme, launched in 2016, has as its primary goal the creation of a strong startup ecosystem in the country, making India globally recognized in innovation. Registering a startup in India offers several benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Startup India Registration: A startup to be registered in India must fulfil the following conditions to avail benefits from DPIIT:

• Industrial Structure: The startup must be a private limited company, a partnership firm or a limited liability partnership (LLP).
• Duration of the Startup: The startup must be at least ten years old from its inception. Startups in the biotechnology sector, however, can do up to 15 years.
• Annual Income: The annual income of the startup should not exceed Rs 100 crore in any financial year since its inception.
• Innovative Idea: The objective of the startup must be to innovate, develop, deploy or commercialise new products, processes or services.
• DPIIT Status: The startup must get a Startup India certificate from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Law Compliance: Startups must comply with all relevant laws such as the Companies Act, Income Tax Act and Goods and Services Tax Act. Also, it must maintain a bank account in the name of the business during DPIIT registration.
• Job Creation: The startup must have the potential to contribute to job creation either in line with the objective of the Startup India scheme of promoting employment in the country.

Documents Required for Start India Registration: You will need the following documents to register a startup in India and get your startup recognized by DPIIT:

• Company Incorporation/Registration Certificate Proof of Financial Assistance—Proof of any financial assistance, if applicable.
• Authorization Letter—From an official of the company.
• Proof of Concept—This can be a video pitch deck, website link or the concept of the startup.
• Patent and Trademark Details—If your budding venture has applied for any trademark or patent.
• List of awards or certifications—Any award or recognition received by your budding venture
• PAN (Permanent Account Number)