Cloud Storage Reimbursement

Under the Haryana Startup Policy 2022, the Cloud Storage Reimbursement programme functions as a fiscal incentive. Startup Haryana, a dedicated unit, administers it alongside the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana. Startup Haryana's remit covers nurturing innovation, easing regulatory compliance, and extending financial and infrastructural support to new businesses so they can expand within the state. The policy seeks to establish Haryana as an innovation and entrepreneurship centre, helping startups take up modern technologies.

Eligible startups receive reimbursement of 75% of the actual amount spent on cloud storage and cloud computing services. Each startup may claim up to ₹2,50,000 (Two Lakh Fifty Thousand Indian Rupees) annually. Claims can be made for as long as five years, which gives startups predictability in planning their technology spending.

Disbursed funds must go towards cloud infrastructure and services alone. Startups need to procure these from recognised cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure, among others. The services must form part of the startup's core business operations, supporting data management, application hosting, and scalable digital infrastructure.

By reducing what startups spend on technology infrastructure, the policy frees up resources for product development, research, market expansion, and recruitment. This in turn supports their growth and adds to the state's economy.

Applications are made online via the Invest Haryana portal. To begin, an applicant submits the application on this dedicated platform, supplying the relevant particulars about the startup and the cloud services it has used. A mandatory step is the upload of a valid DPIIT certificate, which serves as evidence of the startup's national recognition. Cloud-provider invoices must also be submitted, listing the services availed and their costs. Matching payment proofs are required alongside these invoices, to establish that the expenses were actually incurred. Finally, bank details must be provided so that the reimbursement can be processed. Reimbursement claims are filed once a year, which lets startups pool their expenses over the year into a single payout.

Claims are filed once a year via the Invest Haryana portal, where applicants must upload a DPIIT certificate, invoices from the cloud provider, proof of payment and bank details. The Department of Industries then verifies each claim. Startups whose claims are approved are reimbursed 75% of their actual cloud storage costs, subject to a ceiling of ₹2.5 lakh annually, and may receive this support for a maximum of five years.