MSME-009
Identification
| Scheme Name | A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship |
|---|---|
| Acronym | ASPIRE |
| Ministry / Department | Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India |
| Implementing Agency | Managed directly at the central level by the ASPIRE Scheme Steering Committee (SSC) under the Ministry of MSME, executing on the ground through Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) set up by government institutions or private bodies under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modes. |
| Level | Central |
| Launch Year | 2015 |
| Status | Active |
Classification
| Category | Technology & Innovation |
|---|---|
| Sector | Both |
| Enterprise Size | Micro, Small |
Purpose & Benefit
| Objective | To set up a vast network of livelihood and technology business incubators to accelerate rural entrepreneurship, encourage grassroots innovation, promote sustainable agro-based startups, and generate employment. |
|---|---|
| Benefit Type | Grant |
| Key Terms | Livelihood Business Incubator (LBI): Structured local knowledge centers focused on commercializing traditional trades, introducing modern equipment, and training rural youth into self-employed micro-entrepreneurs. Technology Business Incubator (TBI): Advanced technical incubators built to support innovative, high-growth, technology-driven agro-startups during their high-risk early stages. Fund of Funds: An equity and venture management capital model operated through SIDBI to pump startup capital indirectly into rural innovation enterprises |
Eligibility
| Eligibility Criteria | Individual innovators, entrepreneurs, and registered start-ups working in rural/agro-based sectors can leverage incubation services. For establishing actual incubator spaces, eligible bodies include any Central/State Government institute, PSU, educational/research organization, or Private Body/NGO working under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modes. |
|---|---|
| Udyam Required? | Preferred but not mandatory |
| Documents Required | Detailed Project Report (DPR) or complete Business Plan of the proposed incubator centre or startup. Entity registration proof of the host institution (e.g., Trust Deed, Society Certificate, or Incorporation filings). Aadhaar and PAN Card details of the primary applicant/promoters. Verified layout plan and allocation proofs for the physical space to set up the incubator. Past 3 years of audited financials of the host institution. |
| Exclusions | Large-scale commercial business models unrelated to rural/agro-industrial innovation, or institutions that have already received equal financial grants for the exact same set of operational tools from any other central or state government scheme. |
How to Apply
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | https://aspire.msme.gov.in/ |
| Application Process | Step 1: Access the official ASPIRE online portal and navigate to the registration link (e.g., "Apply for New LBI") Step 2: Complete basic registration to create your credentials and log into your dedicated profile dashboard. Step 3: Fill out the comprehensive profile form specifying your enterprise type, proposed location coordinates, and operational parameters. Step 4: Upload clean digital copies of your conceptual proposal, land occupancy documents, and host institution financials, then click submit. Step 5: The application is verified by the central ASPIRE Scheme Steering Committee (SSC); approved centres are subsequently sanctioned capital funds to begin installing machinery and incubating trainees. |
Reference & Verification
| Official Source URL | https://aspire.msme.gov.in/ |
|---|---|
| Verified On | 2026-05-28 |