SISFS Eligibility Checker

SISFS is a Government of India scheme that provides seed capital to early-stage startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialisation. Unlike most grants, you don't apply to the government directly — DPIIT selects a network of incubators across India, and each incubator runs its own application cycle, evaluates applicants, and disburses the funds.

Because incubators run their own cycles, actual availability and timelines vary — check which DPIIT-selected incubators are currently accepting SISFS applications and align with one whose sector focus matches your startup.

To be eligible for SISFS funding, a startup must meet all of the following, per the published scheme guidelines:

1. DPIIT-recognised as a startup (a precondition, not optional).
2. Incorporated not more than 2 years before the date of application.
3. Has not received more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support under any other Central or State Government scheme — this excludes prize money from grand challenges/hackathons, subsidised working space, founder monthly allowance, and access to labs or prototyping facilities.
4. Has a business idea to develop a product or service with a viable plan for commercialisation.
5. Uses technology in its core product or service, or in its business model, distribution model, or methodology to solve the target problem.

Priority (not a hard eligibility gate) is given to startups in sectors like health, agriculture, education, and fintech, to women-led startups, and to startups based in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Grant — up to ₹20 lakh

For validation of proof of concept, prototype development, and product trials.

Convertible debentures / debt / debt-linked instrument — up to ₹50 lakh

For market entry, commercialisation, and scaling — for startups with some traction already.

The exact amount and instrument mix within these caps is decided by the incubator disbursing the funds, based on your startup's stage and stated need — not a fixed entitlement.

1. Confirm DPIIT recognition — apply on startupindia.gov.in first if you haven't.
2. Identify DPIIT-selected incubators whose sector focus and stage criteria match your startup (published on the Startup India portal).
3. Apply directly through the chosen incubator's own application process and timeline — there's no single national SISFS application form.
4. Present a clear proof-of-concept or prototype plan, and be ready to explain the technology component and commercialisation path.

• No DPIIT recognition at the time of application — this is a precondition, not something an incubator can waive.
• More than 2 years since incorporation — a firm cutoff with no exceptions.
• Already received more than ₹10 lakh in other government monetary support, disqualifying under the scheme's own cap.
• No clear technology component — a conventional business model without a tech-led product, delivery mechanism, or methodology.
• A vague or unproven idea without a credible plan for building and commercialising the product.