Maharashtra Rolls Out MATRIX Programme To Create A New High-Tech Startup Ecosystem

The Maharashtra government on Thursday (27 November) unveiled the MATRIX (Maharashtra Technology, Research Incubator and Xcelerator) programme, a large-scale initiative intended to transform the state’s emerging technology ecosystem and accelerate innovation, Indian Express reported.

According to the government resolution issued on Thursday, the programme seeks to nurture innovation, support startups, and establish Maharashtra as a leading hub of high-tech development in the country.

As part of the programme, the government eyes setting up about 200 incubation centres across the state in the next few years, offering advanced infrastructure, guidance, and financial support to startups working in areas like AI, IoT, blockchain, robotics, quantum technologies, extended reality, big data, and cybersecurity.

The intention is to help high-potential startups drive both technological progress and economic growth.

"The targeted outcome is to benefit around 10,000 startups over the next five years, with hopes of generating over Rs 1 lakh crore in revenue and establishing Maharashtra as a global innovation hotspot. It aims at creating 1 lakh new jobs,” the government resolution said.

"The MATRIX programme is structured to encourage inclusive development by reserving a minimum of 10% incubation space for women entrepreneurs, as well as startups led by Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)," it added.

The document highlights the programme’s collaborative model, involving government bodies, private developers, and research institutions such as IIT and STPI to support efficient implementation.

A key feature of the programme is its supportive financial structure, which includes subsidised rents and infrastructural benefits, with startups paying a maximum of 25 per cent of the highest IT park rental for general startups and up to 12.5 per cent for reserved-category startups like SC/ST and women-led enterprises.

The programme follows a “non-profit-no-loss” model to reduce financial pressure on startups and incubators.

The state government also plans to roll out special focus areas, including Industry 4.0, social impact tech, fintech, biotech, space technology, green energy, and agritech, all identified as key drivers for job creation and development.

These sectors are identified as critical growth drivers, aiming to create thousands of new jobs and attract significant investments.

The programme adopts a performance-driven system, requiring incubators to file biannual progress reports and undergo periodic reviews.

The government may extend or cancel licences based on performance.

Oversight will be handled by the Directorate of Industries along with a dedicated MATRIX Steering Committee.

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