What is the maximum funding available?

Startups can receive up to ₹1 Crore (INR 100 Lakhs) in seed funding.

What is the typical investment ticket size?

The average investment ticket size for this program is approximately ₹25 Lakhs.

Is this an equity-free grant?

No, this program provides equity-based seed funding.

Who is eligible to apply for this program?

The program is open to Private Limited companies registered in India, with at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding, and a minimum of three months of incubation at PDEU IIC. Foreign subsidiaries are not eligible.

Are startups that have previously received government funding eligible?

While eligible, preference is given to startups that have not received prior funding from Government of India or State Government bodies. Startups that have already received NIDHI SSP support from any other incubator are strictly not eligible.

What kind of support is provided beyond funding?

In addition to financial assistance, startups receive business mentoring, strategic guidance, and access to the extensive PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center ecosystem and network of mentors.

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) – PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI SSP) at PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center is a pivotal initiative by the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. This program is designed to empower technology-driven startups by providing crucial seed funding and comprehensive incubation support. It addresses the critical early-stage financial and strategic needs of innovative ventures, helping them bridge the gap from concept to commercialization. The broader NIDHI umbrella program aims to nurture knowledge-based and technology-driven ideas and innovations into successful startups, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem across India.

PDEU IIC, as an implementing partner, leverages this national scheme to specifically support startups in its ecosystem. The program's core objective is to facilitate the development and market entry of groundbreaking products. By offering both financial backing and strategic guidance, NIDHI SSP at PDEU IIC helps startups navigate the complex journey of product development, validation, and market penetration, ultimately contributing to India's technological and economic growth.

The selection process for the NIDHI Seed Support Program at PDEU IIC involves a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation designed to identify high-potential technology startups. Initially, submitted applications undergo an eligibility screening to confirm adherence to the fundamental criteria, such as Indian registration and promoter shareholding. Following this, a comprehensive technical and business evaluation is conducted by a panel of subject matter experts and business mentors. This stage scrutinizes the startup's innovation, market potential, financial viability, and the strength of its team. Finally, selected startups proceed to an Investment Committee review, where they may be invited to present their ventures. The committee makes the final funding decisions, considering all aspects of the startup's proposal and potential for impact.

This program offers seed funding up to ₹1 Crore (INR 100 Lakhs), with an average investment ticket size of approximately ₹25 Lakhs. The funding is disbursed in tranches, linked to the achievement of approved milestones. This financial support is specifically designed to cover critical stages such as proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry strategies, and initial commercialization efforts. Beyond capital, selected startups benefit from in-depth business mentoring and strategic guidance from experienced advisors. They also gain invaluable access to the extensive PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and collaborative growth within a supportive environment.

Explore

Partners

Legal

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) – PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) – PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center

Funding providers

Application Process

How to apply

Sources

Grants closing soon

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Debt programs

Subsidies

Frequently Asked Questions

About this funding program

Eligibility

Timelines & Process

Benefits & Funding

Grants closing soon

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Debt programs

Subsidies

Startup Software Credits

Higgsfield

Notion

Semrush

Reclaim.ai

Replit

Bolt

Manus

Warp

Huawei

Mixpanel

Microsoft

Google