RADRS
R&D Reimbursement Scheme
5.1/10The scheme “R&D Reimbursement Scheme” is a part of the Start-up Policy 2017. The objective of the policy is to promote innovation amongst the Goans and local start-ups. 50% of R&D expenses, including salaries of PhD holders employed by start-ups, will be reimbursed for a period of two years.
States / UT: Goa
Nodal department: Information and Publicity Department
Scheme for: Infra
Scheme profile
DBT (direct benefit transfer): No
Categories: Business & Entrepreneurship, Science, IT & Communications
Sub-categories: Research & Development, Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship
Target beneficiaries: Business Entity
Tags: Startup, Business, Entrepreneurship, Reimbursement
Details
The scheme “R&D Reimbursement Scheme” is a scheme by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, for the Startups of Goa. The scheme is a part of the Start-up Policy 2017. The objective of the policy is to promote innovation amongst the Goans and local start-ups. 50% of R&D expenses, including salaries of PhD holders employed by start-ups, will be reimbursed for a period of two years, subject to a cap of ₹ 5,00,000 per annum.
Benefits
- 50% of R&D expenses including salaries of PhD holders employed by startups will be reimbursed for a period of two years subject to a cap of ₹5 00 000 per annum. The salary component must not be in excess of ₹2 00 000. Number of Slots This benefit can be availed by a maximum of 100 startups each year. Validity The applicant can avail of the benefits of this scheme bi-annually/ annually. Disbursal Once the application is approved by the SPC the approved amount shall be disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval. NOTE: Under no circumstance shall the benefits under this scheme be considered an entitlement. The SPC shall reserve the sole right to accept or reject applications
50% of R&D expenses, including salaries of PhD holders employed by startups, will be reimbursed for a period of two years, subject to a cap of ₹ 5,00,000 per annum. The salary component must not be in excess of ₹ 2,00,000.
Number of Slots
This benefit can be availed by a maximum of 100 startups each year.
Validity
The applicant can avail of the benefits of this scheme bi-annually/ annually.
Disbursal
Once the application is approved by the SPC, the approved amount shall be disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval.
NOTE: Under no circumstance shall the benefits under this scheme be considered an entitlement. The SPC shall reserve the sole right to accept or reject applications.
Eligibility
- This is applicable only to Goans and local start-ups.
- The applicant should be a local startup certified by the Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC).
- The startup should have a valid start-up certificate number.
- The employees whose salaries are to be reimbursed should be hired for a period of at least 12 months.
- The employee whose salary is to be reimbursed should have a PhD or equivalent from a government-recognised institute.
- The startup should be in the R&D stage and developing technology/ products in the domains specified in the Policy.
- The startup should have a working prototype of the technology/ product.
- Only expenditures incurred after notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017, being within the validity of this policy and paid for digitally will be considered. If digital payments are not possible then it shall be up to the decision of SPC based on its due diligence to admit the expenditure.
NOTE: For the purpose of determining eligible expenses towards R&D Expenditure, the "Accounting Standard 18 on Research and Development" by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India would be used.
Relaxation / Preference / Priority
Preference will be given to the startups who are working on a technology/ product that have successfully applied for a patent or have obtained a patent.
Definitions
Local Startup: A startup in which at least 50% equity/share is held by one or more Goans continuously since the time of inception.
Goan: The person satisfying at least one of the following criteria -
- Born in the State of Goa; or,
- Person having domicile for 10 years or more in the State; or,
- Spouse of a person covered under any of the conditions mentioned in (1.) and (2.), through marriages registered in Goa.
Employees: PhD or equivalent employees for whom a reimbursement is being claimed.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility5.0
- Financial impact6.0
- Rural utility3.0
- Awareness4.5
- Simplicity5.0
- Inclusivity5.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The R&D Reimbursement Scheme aims to support local startups in Goa by reimbursing a portion of their R&D expenses, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key challenges addressed
- Financial support for R&D activities
- Encouragement of local startups
Most beneficial for
- Local startups in Goa
- Entrepreneurs with PhD employees
Likely challenges
- Complex eligibility criteria
- Digital application process may exclude some applicants
Practical insights for citizens
While the scheme provides financial support, the complexity of the application process may deter potential applicants.
Rural challenges
- Limited internet access in rural areas
- Lack of awareness about the scheme
Digital challenges
- High digital dependency may exclude non-digital users
- Need for digital payment methods
Implementation bottlenecks
- Strict eligibility criteria may limit applicants
- Potential delays in application processing
Awareness challenges
- Low awareness among potential beneficiaries
- Limited outreach efforts
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Online portal
- Documents burden
- Moderate, requires specific documentation
- Verification complexity
- High, involves multiple eligibility checks
- Office dependency
- Low, primarily online
- DBT dependency
- No direct benefit transfer involved
- CSC support
- Limited
- Estimated citizen effort
- High, due to multiple steps in application
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Cash
- Benefit frequency
- Bi-annually/annually
- Benefit practicality
- Practical for eligible startups but complex for first-time applicants
- Financial meaningfulness
- Significant for startups, especially with a cap of ₹ 5,00,000
- Long-term impact
- Encourages innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem
Plain-language guidance
The R&D Reimbursement Scheme helps local startups in Goa by reimbursing half of their research and development costs. Eligible startups can receive up to ₹ 5,00,000 per year for two years.
- Who should apply
- Local startups in Goa with PhD employees looking for financial support for R&D.
- Who may struggle
- First-time applicants and those unfamiliar with digital processes.
- Best application route
- Apply via the official Goa Startup Mission website.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Online
Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Goa Startup Mission.
Step 2: Verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.
Step 3: On the Registration/Signup Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form (Country, Name, Date of Birth, Address, PIN Code, Gender, etc.).
Step 4: Create a Login Name and a strong Password (Password can have special characters like @ # $ % ^ & + =).
Step 5: Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes.
Step 6: Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Register/Signup".
Step 7: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".
Step 8: Navigate to the online application form for the relevant scheme.
Step 9: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
Step 10: Submit the application and note the application reference number for application tracking.
OR
Step 1: Take a print of the proforma of the application form. Fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
Step 2: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to SPC via Email at spc-dit.goa@gov.in
NOTE: The applicant can apply for this scheme at any time of the financial year but only within 6 months of incurring the relevant expenditure.
Notification
The applications received by the SPC shall be evaluated and approval or rejection shall be notified within 45 days from receipt of the application by the SPC.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- What happens if an applicant is found guilty of misrepresentation or fraudulent activity?
The applicant may be prohibited from availing of benefits under this scheme and other schemes under the Goa Startup Policy 2017.
- Are there any additional requirements for start-ups regarding research work?
Start-ups must provide a copy of their research work and proof of payment as per Cost and Accounting Standard 18.
- Are there any restrictions on the types of expenses that can be reimbursed?
Only expenses incurred after the notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017, within its validity, and paid digitally will be considered.
- What role does the SPC play in the disbursement of claims?
The SPC is the competent authority to accept or reject any claims filed by start-ups, and its decision is final and binding.
- When can approved amounts be disbursed?
Approved amounts are disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval.
- How long does it take for the SPC to evaluate and approve/reject applications?
The SPC aims to notify approval or rejection within 45 days from the receipt of the application.
- How often can start-ups avail of the benefits of this scheme?
Start-ups can avail of the benefits bi-annually or annually.
- What is the timeline for claiming incentives under this scheme?
Start-ups can apply for this scheme at any time during the financial year, but only within 6 months of incurring the relevant expenditure.
- Are there any additional criteria for eligibility under this scheme?
Yes, preference is given to start-ups that have applied for or obtained patents for their technology/products.
- How is eligible expenditure towards R&D determined?
Eligible expenses are determined based on Accounting Standard 181 on Research and Development by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
- Are there specific domains in which start-ups must be working to be eligible?
Yes, start-ups must be working on technology/products in domains specified in the Policy.
- Is this benefit guaranteed for all eligible start-ups?
No, the benefits are not guaranteed; the Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC) has the right to accept or reject applications.
- How many start-ups can avail of this benefit each year?
A maximum of 100 start-ups can avail of this benefit each year.
- What is the maximum annual cap for reimbursement of R&D expenses?
The maximum annual cap for reimbursement is INR 5 lakh per annum, with a salary component cap of INR 2 lakh.
Official links
References
- Guidelines
- https://www.startup.goa.gov.in/Incentives/R&DReimbursementScheme.pdf
- Application Form
- https://www.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Schemes.pdf
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- R&D Reimbursement Scheme is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Business Entity through benefits related to Business & Entrepreneurship, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Eligibility for R&D Reimbursement Scheme may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Benefits under R&D Reimbursement Scheme may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- R&D Reimbursement Scheme is managed by Information and Publicity Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for R&D Reimbursement Scheme through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Applications for R&D Reimbursement Scheme may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is R&D Reimbursement Scheme available in all states?
- No, R&D Reimbursement Scheme is primarily available for eligible residents of Goa and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
- Can residents outside Goa apply for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Eligibility for R&D Reimbursement Scheme is generally limited to residents of Goa unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
- Does R&D Reimbursement Scheme provide business loan or startup assistance?
- R&D Reimbursement Scheme may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
- Is collateral required under R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for R&D Reimbursement Scheme?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for R&D Reimbursement Scheme in Goa?
- Users in Goa may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with R&D Reimbursement Scheme applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.