What is Startup Runway on the GeM Portal?
Startup Runway on GeM is a dedicated institutional initiative designed to give Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognized startups direct market access to public sector buyers across India.
Through this corner, startups can showcase their unique, innovative products and services directly to government departments, enjoy statutory relaxations on prior turnover and past experience criteria, and secure direct trial or commercial orders without standard tender hurdles.
Key Benefits of Joining GeM Startup Runway
Startup Runway grants recognized enterprises special privileges to compete effectively against established industry players.
Exemption from Turnover & Experience
Bypass mandatory historical financial turnover rules and past performance criteria in public procurement bids.
100% EMD Fee Waiver
Participate in eligible government tenders without depositing Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) guarantees.
Dedicated Innovation Listing
Display your high-tech or proprietary offerings in a distinct portal category visible directly to procurement officers.
Direct Purchase Opportunities
Enable buyers to place direct development or trial orders for innovative solutions meeting specialized public needs.
Step-by-Step Startup Runway Onboarding Workflow
Our consultants streamline your registration through the following structured process:
- DPIIT Status Verification: Validate your Startup India Recognition Certificate and ensure active status.
- GeM Profile Integration: Link your DPIIT registration details with your primary GeM seller account.
- Innovation Submission & Classification: Submit product descriptions, patents, and usability specs for GeM technical board review.
- Exemption Tagging: Activate automatic waivers for EMD, Vendor Assessment, and turnover requirements across your profile.
- Catalog Publishing: Upload and publish approved innovative products under the official Startup Runway catalog interface.
Documents Required for Startup Runway Setup
Startup Credential Verification
- DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate (with DIPP number)
- Certificate of Incorporation (Private Limited, LLP, or Registered Partnership)
- Company PAN & Authorised Signatory Aadhaar
- Active Bank Account details & cancelled cheque
Product / Innovation Documentation
- Detailed Product Innovation Note & Usability Document
- Patent / Intellectual Property (IP) filings (if applicable)
- Product testing certificates / BIS quality accreditations
- High-resolution product imagery and technical specification sheets
Startup Runway Registration Fee Structure
| Service Package | Scope of Consultancy | Consultancy Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Runway Basic Setup | DPIIT profile linking, startup status validation, and profile exemption tagging | ₹3,499 + GST |
| Startup Runway + Full Innovation Cataloging | Complete profile setup, innovative product write-up optimization, and catalog approval support | ₹6,999 + GST |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to register under Startup Runway on GeM?
Any entity recognized as a Startup by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) with a valid DIPP certificate is eligible for Startup Runway onboarding.
2. Are startups completely exempt from past turnover requirements?
Yes. Under Central Public Procurement Policy, government departments are instructed to relax criteria regarding prior turnover and experience for DPIIT-recognized startups, subject to quality and technical specs.
3. Do startups need to undergo QCI Vendor Assessment?
DPIIT-recognized startups are granted exemption from mandatory QCI Vendor Assessment for listing products on GeM, saving both time and assessment fees.
4. How long does the Startup Runway approval take?
DPIIT account linking takes 1 to 3 working days. Innovative product catalog verification by GeM administrators typically takes 5 to 10 working days.
*Note: Document requirements and Service Fee may vary by tender, category and registration type. Tendershala's consultants confirm the exact checklist and service fee that applies to your specific requirement.