USHUS is a startup engagement program launched by CSL to augment the government of India's initiatives to encourage and develop an ecosystem in India for supporting maritime start-ups from the technical, regulatory, financial, and marketing points of view by bringing the stakeholders together. This programme will provide a platform for young and talented entrepreneurs to develop products/services in the marine space with financial support provided by CSL. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will act as one of the implementation partners of this initiative and will provide incubation, mentorship, and training to start-ups selected under this programme. Under this initiative, start-ups can get up to Rs.50 lakhs as seed grants and Rs one crore as prototyping grants. There will be equity funding for start-ups at the scale-up stage. The institute will invite applications online twice a year to identify start-ups for funding under seed funds, pilot grants, and equity investment schemes.

The Eligibility Criteria for startups applying for funding under this funding initiative is as follows:

• A start-up must be recognised by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
• Start-up must have the solution or product in the maritime sector for Focus Areas as specified in this Policy
• Shareholding by Indian promoters in the start-up should be at least 51% at the time of application to incubator for the scheme, as per Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (ICDR)Regulations, 2018
• In general, the equity stake of CSL shall be limited to maximum 9% of the paid-up equity of the company.
• In general, the CSL will not take a seat on the Board of the Start-up company. However, if due to specific requirements which may be in the overall interest of both CSL and the Start-up company, CSL may take a Board seat, after obtaining concurrence from the AС.