MAARG: Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, Growth. National startup mentorship platform by Startup India and Invest India under DPIIT. Free platform. 85,000+ registered startups. 400+ expert mentors onboarded. AI-powered matchmaking based on sector, stage, functional skillset. Maximum 3 mentor connection requests per week. Built-in video and audio calls. Mobile-friendly interface. Customizable mentorship programs. Recognition for contributing mentors. Eligibility: DPIIT-recognized startups only. Legally registered entities. Innovative business model. Scalability potential. Launched November 2022 (Phase II startup onboarding). Addresses mentorship access gap identified by National Startup Advisory Council. India 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally, 108 unicorns. Here’s complete guide to accessing free mentorship through MAARG in 2026.
Why MAARG Was Created
During first meeting of National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC), major gap in ecosystem was identified: Many founders struggle to find reliable mentorship.
Especially across different startup stages (idea to scaling), sectors and industries (tech, healthcare, agriculture, fintech), cities and regions (beyond Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai hubs).
India ranked 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally with 108 unicorns, but mentorship access remained bottleneck.
MAARG created to solve this mentorship access gap through technology-enabled national platform.
What MAARG Actually Is
M – Mentorship
A – Advisory
A – Assistance
R – Resilience
G – Growth
Digital platform connecting founders with mentors across India. One-stop platform facilitating mentorship for startups across diverse sectors, functions, stages, geographies, backgrounds.
Goal simple: Make startup mentorship easier to access through intelligent AI matchmaking and structured framework.
The Platform by Numbers
85,000+ registered startups on Startup India portal eligible to access MAARG. India’s DPIIT-recognized startup ecosystem.
400+ expert mentors onboarded across domains. Academicians, industry experts, successful founders, seasoned investors.
270+ mentors actively ready to assist startups (reported by Invest India).
3 connection requests maximum per week per startup. Prevents spam, encourages thoughtful matching.
Free platform for both mentors and startups. Government-supported initiative under Startup India.
Who Can Use MAARG (Eligibility Criteria)
Not open to all businesses. Specific eligibility requirements:
DPIIT-recognized startup: Must be recognized by Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade under Startup India program. DPIIT recognition confirms genuine startup status and access to government schemes.
Legally registered entity: Incorporated as Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Partnership Firm, or One Person Company (OPC) under Indian law. Sole proprietorships and unregistered firms typically ineligible.
Innovative business model: Must demonstrate innovation in product, service, or business model. Favors novel solutions especially in technology, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, sustainability.
Scalability and growth opportunity: Must possess scalable business model. On verge of growing operations, raising capital, or enhancing market positioning. Even idea-phase startups eligible if high growth prospects demonstrated.
Mentorship requirement clarity: Must specifically indicate why mentorship needed and which functions require guidance (fundraising, product development, marketing, financial management, regulatory compliance).
How The AI Matchmaking Works
MAARG uses custom-built artificial intelligence algorithm creating recommendations matching mentors and startups.
Matching criteria: Sector (technology, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, manufacturing). Stage (idea, MVP, early revenue, scaling, growth). Functional skillset (product, marketing, fundraising, operations, legal).
Complexity addressed: Given unique needs of each entrepreneur and richness of experience from large mentor pool, automation eases process of getting targeted guidance.
Two-way matching: Either party (startup or mentor) can send connection request. Once accepted, mentorship begins.
What Founders Actually Get
Targeted guidance: Access personalized advice from experts on setting up and scaling business. Not generic startup advice. Sector-specific, stage-specific mentorship.
Mentor experience and networks: Gain from depth of expertise and connections of experienced mentors. Open doors otherwise closed.
Solutions to business challenges: Understand gaps and challenges in business. Seek solution ideas from those who solved similar problems.
Topic-specific expertise: Join specific cohort programs or attend masterclasses for unique needs. Beyond one-on-one mentorship.
Lifelong connections: Sustain and grow business fundamentals. Build lasting relationships with mentors who become advisors, investors, partners.
How To Register and Connect
Step 1: Visit maarg.startupindia.gov.in or access through Startup India portal dashboard.
Step 2: Complete registration using DPIIT-recognized startup credentials. Profile creation includes business details, sector, stage, mentorship needs.
Step 3: Profile moderation (approved within 48 hours, notified via email).
Step 4: Browse mentor listings. View all mentors by clicking “View All.” Filter by industry and sector relevance.
Step 5: Send connection requests. Maximum 3 per week. Choose carefully based on specific needs.
Step 6: Once accepted, schedule meetings using built-in calendar. Video and audio calls integrated.
Step 7: Begin mentorship. Track progress through dashboard. Outcome-driven activities monitored.
Beyond Mentorship: Full Ecosystem Access
MAARG not just mentor matching. Online hub for entrepreneurship-related information, tools, tutorials.
Incubator connections: Maximum 3 incubator requests per week. Find incubators servicing your industry.
Accelerator connections: Useful for early and mid-stage startups scaling and fine-tuning product/service.
Startup Setu integration: Single solution finder for startups in India. Accessible from every corner.
What Mentors Get
Special incentives encouraging mentor participation:
Invitations to Startup India programs: Exclusive access to government startup initiatives, summits, events.
Letters of appreciation: Official recognition from DPIIT and Startup India.
Special coverage: Features on Startup India website and social media handles. Profile visibility to 85,000+ startups.
Networking opportunities: Connect with other mentors, startups, investors, ecosystem enablers.
Giving back: Contribute to building strong inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Bottom Line
MAARG: National mentorship platform by Startup India and Invest India under DPIIT. Free. 85,000+ registered startups. 400+ mentors.
AI matchmaking based on sector, stage, skills. Max 3 requests weekly. Built-in calls. Mobile-friendly.
Eligibility: DPIIT recognition, legal entity, innovative model, scalable, clear mentorship need.
Get: Targeted guidance, mentor networks, challenge solutions, topic expertise, lifelong connections.
Register: maarg.startupindia.gov.in
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