Maharashtra Government to Launch District Innovation Ranking, Approves New Entrepreneurship Policy

Pune, 9th September 2025: Districts across Maharashtra will soon be evaluated and recognized for their efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, as the state government has approved a new policy to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem at the grassroots level.

The Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation has announced the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy, which sets a five-year target to build a supportive ecosystem for skill development, startups, and innovation. As part of this initiative, a district innovation ranking plan will be introduced to assess entrepreneurship efforts at the district level and encourage healthy competition.

According to officials, the evaluation will be based on multiple parameters, including infrastructure, funding opportunities, incubation facilities, and the overall environment created for innovation. Districts performing well in creating a conducive ecosystem will be recognized at the state level, motivating others to focus on entrepreneurship-led growth.

To support this vision, the government will provide assistance in the form of funding, technology access, laboratories, and professional guidance. A collaborative framework will also be created at the state level to enable knowledge-sharing between government bodies, corporate companies, educational institutions, and research organizations. The policy further envisions global partnerships with universities, investors, and industries to position Maharashtra as a global innovation hub.

In the education sector, new entrepreneurship and innovation courses will be introduced in schools, ITIs, technical colleges, and universities in collaboration with knowledge partners. These courses will be made available as open-source resources. A dedicated mentorship mechanism will also be established to connect budding entrepreneurs with experienced professionals.

To bridge the digital divide, the policy proposes the creation of special digital skill centres in libraries, panchayats, and educational institutions, staffed with trained personnel to deliver e-governance and online services.

A major highlight of the policy is the establishment of Incubation Centres across Maharashtra, with funding support of up to ₹5 crore for each centre. These centres will provide startups with infrastructure, mentorship, and networking opportunities. A separate ranking system will also be created to evaluate the performance of incubators.

Officials emphasized that the initiative aims to accelerate the growth of new entrepreneurs, encourage innovation-driven businesses, and strengthen Maharashtra’s position in the national and global innovation landscape.