Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)
By Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
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Quick Answer
Government of India mission giving SC youth and early-stage startups up to ₹30 lakh in equity funding and incubation support for innovative, technology-driven ideas.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹30L
- Funding type
- Equity
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
ASIIM, the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission, gives Scheduled Caste (SC) youth and early-stage startups up to ₹30 lakh in equity funding over three years, plus incubation support. It runs under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), set up by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
It is meant for innovative, technology-driven ideas and helps early-stage founders move from idea to a commercially viable business. Startups are supported through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), including those backed by the Department of Science and Technology and other recognized incubation centers. The funding covers incubation costs, hardware and software, fellowship, travel and marketing, and IP filing.
The mission aims to support 1,000 innovative ideas. Successful ventures can qualify for further funding of up to ₹15 Crore from the VCF-SC.
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
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a Government of India ministry whose work covers the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes, and social defence. Its startup-relevant schemes are finance for Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs: a guarantee on bank…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30L
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.
