The Maharashtra government has officially launched the MATRIX (Maharashtra Technology, Research Incubator and Xcelerator) programme — a major step aimed at transforming the state into a high-technology innovation powerhouse. The initiative, announced on Thursday (27 November), is designed to strengthen the startup ecosystem and accelerate emerging-tech development across the state.
According to the government resolution, MATRIX aims to nurture deep-tech startups, promote research-driven innovation, and position Maharashtra as a national and global centre for high-tech excellence.
200 Incubation Centres Across Maharashtra
Under the MATRIX programme, the government plans to establish around 200 incubation centres over the next few years. These centres will offer advanced R&D infrastructure, expert mentorship, and financial support to startups operating in cutting-edge sectors such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Blockchain
- Robotics
- Quantum Computing
- Extended Reality (XR)
- Big Data
- Cybersecurity
The goal is to support promising startups capable of driving both technological innovation and large-scale economic growth.
Target: 10,000 Startups & ₹1 Lakh Crore Revenue
Over the next five years, MATRIX seeks to:
Support 10,000 startups
Create more than 1 lakh jobs
Generate over ₹1 lakh crore in combined revenue
The programme also aspires to elevate Maharashtra to the status of a global innovation hotspot.
Inclusive Innovation: Reserved Support for Women, SC/ST Founders
To ensure equitable growth, MATRIX mandates:
- Minimum 10% incubation space for women entrepreneurs
- Dedicated support for startups led by SC/ST founders
Financial Support Model Designed for Startup Growth
MATRIX offers a startup-friendly pricing model:
- General startups will pay up to 25% of the highest IT park rental
- SC/ST and women-led startups will pay up to 12.5%
The government has adopted a non-profit-no-loss model to minimise financial pressure on startups and incubators.
Collaboration With India’s Top Institutions
The programme will be jointly executed by government departments, private developers, and leading research institutes such as:
- IITs
- STPI
- Other innovation and technology bodies
Focus Areas Driving Future Growth
MATRIX will push innovation across high-potential sectors including:
- Industry 4.0
- Social impact technology
- Fintech
- Biotech
- Space technology
- Green energy
- Agritech
Performance-Based Evaluation
Incubators must submit biannual progress reports and will undergo periodic review. The government may extend or cancel licences based on performance.
Oversight and programme monitoring will be handled jointly by the Directorate of Industries and the MATRIX Steering Committee.