Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for assistance to MSMEs: Assistance for Technology Acquisition

The Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat, introduced the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs to support the state's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The initiative recognises the contribution of MSMEs to employment generation, GDP, and exports, and aims to promote investment and growth in line with the broader objectives of Aatmanirbhar Gujarat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The scheme has been operational since October 5, 2022, and remains in force until October 4, 2027, offering a five-year period for eligible enterprises to participate. One component, Assistance for Technology Acquisition, is designed to help MSMEs adopt suitable technologies for product development or operational improvements. It covers up to 65% of the total cost of technology acquisition, including royalty payments for the first two years.

Through this support, the Gujarat Government intends to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, support their modernisation, and encourage innovation across industrial sectors. The assistance is meant for enterprises seeking to upgrade capabilities, optimise production, reduce costs, and access new markets with improved products and services. The scheme encourages MSMEs to adopt technological advancements to remain competitive in domestic and international markets, thereby strengthening Gujarat's industrial base.

The application for "Assistance for Technology Acquisition" under the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs is processed entirely online through the Gujarat Government's Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP).

- **Step 1: New Investor Registration:** Go to the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) at https://ifp.gujarat.gov.in/DIGIGOV/. Select the "New Investor Registration" link to begin. - **Step 2: Fill Registration Form:** Complete all required fields in the registration form, including company details, contact information, and login credentials. After entering the information, select "Submit". - **Step 3: Email Verification:** A verification link will be sent to the email address provided during registration. Open your registered email, locate the link, and click it to verify your email ID. This step is necessary to activate your account. - **Step 4: Successful Registration:** Once email verification is complete, your account is registered on the IFP, confirming that you may proceed with the scheme application. - **Step 5: Login to Portal:** Return to the Investor Facilitation Portal and select the "Login" button. - **Step 6: Enter Credentials:** Enter your registered email address and the password created during registration in the appropriate fields. - **Step 7: Access Account:** Select the "Login" button to access your personal or business account on the IFP. - **Step 8: Complete Application:** After logging in, you will be directed to fill out the detailed application form for the "Assistance for Technology Acquisition" scheme. This requires providing full information about your business, the proposed technology acquisition, and uploading all mandatory supporting documents as per the scheme guidelines. Ensure that documents such as MSME/DPIIT registration, project reports, technology cost estimates, and royalty agreements are prepared and uploaded correctly. Throughout the application period, check the portal and your registered email regularly for updates or requests for additional information.

The selection process for the Assistance for Technology Acquisition scheme is carried out in stages. After an online application is submitted with the required documents, a committee within the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat, or an appointed implementing agency, screens it. This initial review checks that the application is complete and accurate and that the enterprise meets the eligibility conditions.

A technical evaluation may follow, looking at the proposed technology’s suitability, novelty, and likely effect on the MSME’s product or process. Applications that clear these stages are put forward for approval, with the final decision made by the competent authority according to set criteria and available funds. The process is designed to be transparent and to favour MSMEs with a clear requirement and a workable plan for using technology to grow.