ASPIRE: A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship

Purpose:

ASPIRE promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation in rural and agro-based industries through incubation, skill development and enterprise creation. It supports the establishment of Livelihood Business Incubators and Technology Business Incubators to develop sustainable micro-enterprises and commercialise innovative technologies.

Primary Benefit

Support for start-ups and innovation-led MSMEs, particularly in rural and agro-based industries.

Key documents:

The exact document checklist depends on the proposed incubator and applicant institution. The application ordinarily requires institutional registration and authorisation records, details of the institution and incubator head, proposed incubation plan, feasibility report, infrastructure details, plant and machinery estimates, proposed strategy, target milestones, detailed budget, revenue-generation plan and other supporting documents required through the portal or scheme guidelines.

How to apply:

aspire.msme.gov.in/ASPIRE/AFHome.aspx

FAQ

What is the purpose of ASPIRE?

To promote rural entrepreneurship, innovation, livelihood creation and development of agro-based enterprises.

What incubators are supported?

Livelihood Business Incubators and Technology Business Incubators.

Can an individual entrepreneur apply directly for an institutional grant?

The institutional assistance is primarily provided through eligible organisations and incubators. Entrepreneurs may receive training, incubation and enterprise-development support through approved incubators.

What facilities may be supported?

Incubation infrastructure, plant and machinery, tools, technology, training and entrepreneurship-development facilities.

Who manages the scheme?

The Ministry of MSME through the ASPIRE Scheme Steering Committee and designated implementing institutions.

Is the scheme currently active?

Yes. APMSMEONE marks ASPIRE as active, and the Government reported continued implementation and approved LBIs in December 2025.

Beneficiary:

Eligible applicants generally include government institutions and agencies, technical and research institutions, organisations working in agro-based industries, Knowledge Partners, existing incubation centres and other eligible institutions proposing to establish or operate Livelihood Business Incubators or Technology Business Incubators. Eligibility is subject to the applicable ASPIRE guidelines and the type of incubator proposed.

Benefits:

• Financial support for setting up Livelihood Business Incubators and Technology Business Incubators. • Assistance for innovation and start-up development in rural areas. • Skill-development and entrepreneurship training. • Assistance for incubation infrastructure, tools, machinery and training facilities. • Promotion of agro-based and rural enterprises. • Support for start-ups and innovation-led MSMEs. • Creation of employment and livelihood opportunities through incubation and micro-enterprise development.