Context: The Uttar Pradesh government has become the first state in the country to take full responsibility for securing patents for startups, offering completely free patent services and removing the burden from entrepreneurs.
More on News:
- Startups in UP will now be able to patent their products easily, boosting innovation and helping the state aim for the top spot in the national startup rankings.
- The state government will provide ₹1 lakh in financial assistance to youth with startup ideas to help them develop prototypes.
- The startup and innovation policy has been revised to specifically support student entrepreneurs and promote innovation-driven growth.
- Startups in sectors such as agriculture, health, and education are being encouraged, as they contribute to improving quality of life and support the vision of a self-reliant India.
- Previously, ₹80,000 was required to obtain a patent; this cost has now been completely waived by the state.
- To avail benefits, youth must register their ideas on the Innovation Hub UP portal. A committee of 5–6 members will evaluate the idea’s validity before approving the grant.
- The state is making rapid efforts to reach the number one position in India’s startup ecosystem, with the new patent policy being a key initiative in this direction.
- Earlier, startups had to bear patent expenses and later apply for partial refunds, the process and timeline for which were often unclear. This has now been eliminated.
- According to a recent central government report, Maharashtra (27,459 startups) ranks first followed by Delhi (15,851) and Karnataka (16,335), while Uttar Pradesh, with over 13,000 startups, currently holds the fourth position.
- Incubation centers in private institutions:
- Incubation centers have been set up in institutions like GL Bajaj Noida, ITS Engineering College Greater Noida, NIET Greater Noida, KIET Ghaziabad, AKG Ghaziabad, ABSEC Ghaziabad and MIET Meerut affiliated to AKTU.
- Startups are given grants through the innovation fund.
