Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)
By Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
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Quick Answer
A Government of India initiative providing up to 30 lakh equity funding and incubation support to SC youth and early-stage startups with innovative, technology-driven ideas.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Equity
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is a Government of India initiative under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The program is designed to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste (SC) youth, particularly those working on innovative and technology-driven ideas. It focuses on enabling early-stage founders to transition from ideation to commercially viable businesses through structured incubation and financial support.
ASIIM operates through a network of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), including those supported by the Department of Science and Technology and other recognized incubation centers. Startups are identified and supported within these ecosystems, ensuring that ideas are validated, nurtured, and guided toward commercialization.
The initiative aims to support 1,000 innovative ideas, emphasizing ventures that contribute to socio-economic development while leveraging technology.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a key central government ministry responsible for the welfare, social upliftment, and empowerment of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Persons…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
What You Get
The ASIIM initiative provides up to 30 Lakhs in equity funding over three years to SC youth and early-stage startups. This includes financial support for incubation costs, hardware & software, fellowship, travel & marketing, and IP filing. Beyond funding, startups receive structured incubation support via Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), hand-holding, guidance, and mentorship. Successful ventures also gain the opportunity to qualify for further venture funding of up to 15 Crore from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 37 months
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Startup ideas selected by TBIs are directly considered for incubation. Other applications are evaluated as per fund guidelines.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants visit the official portal and submit their proposal through the application link.
You - 2
- 3
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of this program?
Selected startups can receive up to 30 Lakhs equity funding along with mentorship, incubation support, networking, and growth support. Successful ventures can further qualify for up to 15 Crore venture funding from VCF-SC.
Who is eligible for this opportunity?
Applicants must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) or SC Divyang category and must be identified or supported by TBIs, AICs, Science & Technology Parks/STPI, or government-supported/reputed private incubators. Students from Smart India Hackathon are also eligible.
Is this opportunity suitable for early-stage startups?
Yes, this is suitable for idea-stage and MVP-stage startups across all sectors.
What is the deadline?
No specific deadline. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through TBIs.
Does the program take equity?
Yes. VCF-SC provides equity funding (equity stake in the startup) up to 30 lakhs over 3 years.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
