MSME Champions Scheme – ZED, Lean & Innovation Support for MSMEs
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
MSME Champions is an umbrella framework of the Ministry of MSME focused on improving quality, productivity, sustainability and innovation through MSME Sustainable (ZED), MSME Competitive (Lean) and MSME Innovative components covering Incubation, Design and Intellectual Property Rights.
Who Can Apply?
Verified criteria and borrower eligibility guidelines set by the Government of India.
Udyam-Registered MSMEs
Eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with valid Udyam Registration can access applicable components of the MSME Champions framework, subject to component-specific eligibility conditions.
ZED Applicants
Udyam-registered MSMEs can participate in MSME Sustainable ZED Certification and access applicable certification, handholding, testing and technology-upgradation support.
Lean Manufacturing MSMEs
The current MSME Competitive Lean implementation primarily supports Udyam-registered manufacturing MSMEs seeking productivity, quality and process improvements.
Design Projects
Eligible manufacturing MSMEs with valid Udyam Registration can seek professional design intervention for new product development, improvement and value addition.
IPR Applicants
Udyam-registered MSMEs can seek eligible reimbursement for domestic and foreign patents, trademarks, geographical indications and design registrations.
Innovators & Incubatees
Entrepreneurs, students and other innovators can develop qualifying innovative ideas through approved Host Institutes and Business Incubators under the Incubation component.
Key Features
Core benefits, guarantees, and subsidy structures under this flagship program.
MSME Sustainable (ZED)
Supports Bronze, Silver and Gold ZED Certification. Certification subsidy is 80% for Micro, 60% for Small and 50% for Medium Enterprises, while eligible women-owned MSMEs can receive 100% subsidy.
MSME Competitive (Lean)
Provides Lean implementation support using tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Visual Control, Poka-Yoke and process optimization. Intermediate and Advanced levels receive 90% subsidy on eligible consultant implementation costs.
Incubation Support up to ₹15 Lakh
Financial assistance of up to ₹15 Lakh per approved idea is provided to the Host Institute for developing and nurturing innovative ideas under the Incubation component.
Design Assistance up to ₹40 Lakh
Government support for approved Design Projects is 75% of project cost for Micro Enterprises and 60% for Small and Medium Enterprises, subject to a maximum assistance of ₹40 Lakh.
IPR Reimbursement
Eligible reimbursement ceilings include up to ₹5 Lakh for a foreign patent, ₹1 Lakh for a domestic patent, ₹2 Lakh for GI registration, ₹15,000 for design registration and ₹10,000 for trademark registration.
ZED Technology & Handholding Support
Eligible ZED-certified MSMEs can receive up to ₹2 Lakh for approved handholding and consultancy and up to ₹3 Lakh for eligible Zero Effect technology upgradation.
Scheme Benefits
Application Process
Select the Relevant Component
Choose MSME Sustainable ZED, MSME Competitive Lean or an MSME Innovative vertical such as Incubation, Design or IPR based on the enterprise requirement.
Verify Udyam & Eligibility
Confirm valid Udyam Registration and review the specific eligibility, activity and financial assistance conditions of the selected component.
Apply on Component Portal
Submit the application through the respective official ZED, Lean or MSME Innovative portal with the required enterprise, project and supporting information.
Assessment / Evaluation
The application, project or enterprise is assessed under the process applicable to the selected component, which may include document verification, expert evaluation, consultancy or onsite assessment.
Receive Applicable Support
After successful approval and fulfilment of component-specific conditions, the MSME can access applicable certification subsidy, consultancy support, grant assistance or reimbursement.
Documents Required
Keep the following paperwork ready for instant verification and fast processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore ZED, Lean & MSME Innovative Support for Your Business
Get assistance with eligibility assessment, documentation, project proposals and applications under applicable MSME Champions components.