UP cabinet approves startup procurement scheme

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Uttar Pradesh Startup Procurement Scheme - 2026.

The scheme aims to facilitate market access for eligible startups in the state and promote the use of their innovative products, services and solutions by government departments and other agencies, the UP government said in a statement.

Under the scheme, a dedicated UP Startup E-Marketplace will be established to list innovative products, services and solutions developed by eligible startups and facilitate their procurement by government departments.

This platform will enable government departments to procure innovative products and services offered by startups.

The departments will make purchases from their approved budgetary provisions.

The Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission will be responsible for establishing, operating and maintaining the UP Startup E-Marketplace, ensuring its continued implementation.

The wider use of these technological solutions will improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of government services. Citizens will directly benefit from better, more effective and accessible service delivery.

Under the scheme, eligible innovative enterprises registered under the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy will also have opportunities to secure work orders from government departments.

Access to government procurement opportunities will encourage business expansion among startups and generate additional direct and indirect employment opportunities in the state, the statement added.

The Uttar Pradesh government also approved a skill training and employment development scheme to make the state a key sourcing hub for skilled manpower and a “global manpower hub”.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Skill Training and Employment Zone Development Scheme was approved by the state cabinet.

Under the scheme, it will develop an integrated skill training and employment ecosystem across nine zones, covering all 75 districts. This will help train young people to meet industry requirements and connect them with employment opportunities in India and abroad.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector plays an important role in Uttar Pradesh's industrial development. The state has approximately 96 lakh MSME enterprises, accounting for 14.2 per cent of the country's approximately 6.77 crore enterprises.