EngSUI Seed Fund
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Quick Answer
Funding for DPIIT-recognized Indian startups to scale technology-based innovations.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1Cr
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- SIIC IIT Kanpur
- Application deadline
- —
- Eligible stage
- Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- DPIIT recognition
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by SIIC IIT Kanpur. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this funding program
The EngSUI Seed Fund is a cornerstone of the EngSUI initiative, a strategic collaboration between Engineers India Limited (EIL) and SIIC IIT Kanpur. EIL, a prominent Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, plays a vital role in India's energy and infrastructure sectors. Its commitment to this fund underscores its dedication to the Prime Minister’s 'Startup India' program, actively contributing to national development by fostering a vibrant and innovative startup ecosystem. EIL aims to leverage entrepreneurial talent to solve challenges and create new opportunities, aligning with its corporate social responsibility and national objectives. SIIC IIT Kanpur, renowned as one of India's premier technology incubators, brings invaluable expertise in identifying, nurturing, and accelerating high-potential technology ventures. It offers a comprehensive incubation environment, combining state-of-the-art facilities with deep industry knowledge and academic rigor, ensuring startups receive robust strategic guidance and operational support.
This program specifically targets DPIIT-recognized startups across India that are engaged in technology-based innovations. It offers substantial financial support designed to bridge the critical gap between technological proof-of-concept and market-ready solutions. The fund aims to propel startups through the challenging 'valley of death,' enabling them to transition from validated prototypes to commercially viable products or processes. The focus is on ventures demonstrating strong potential for significant growth, market disruption, and job creation, thereby empowering them to achieve rapid commercialization and widespread market adoption. This includes support for developing a strong business model, refining product features based on market feedback, and preparing for larger investment rounds.
With a maximum financial support of ₹1 Crore available per proposal, or 100% of the total project cost (whichever is lower), the fund provides crucial capital for key scaling activities. This includes critical expenses such as intellectual property (IP) protection, encompassing patenting, design registration, and trademark registry, which are vital for securing a startup's competitive advantage. Furthermore, funds can be utilized for technology transfer activities, facilitating the smooth transition of innovations from laboratory to commercial application. This comprehensive support is geared towards developing a commercially viable product or process that can achieve sustainable market traction and lead to the successful creation of a scalable enterprise.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
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 Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) is the startup incubator at IIT Kanpur. It was established in 2000 and now operates under the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST), IIT Kanpur. It works from two sites: the IIT Kanpur campus at…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1Cr
What You Get
Provides up to ₹1 Crore or 100% of project cost for scaling technology-based innovations. Includes support for IP protection (patenting, trademarks), technology transfer, business model development, product refinement, and preparation for investment rounds. Offers comprehensive incubation with state-of-the-art facilities, strategic guidance, operational support, industry knowledge, and academic rigor.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Starts with an online application through the SIIC IIT Kanpur portal, followed by an initial screening. Shortlisted applicants undergo interviews and presentations to a selection committee of experts. Due diligence is conducted, and final selection is based on proposal alignment, technology strength, scalability, and team capabilities.
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
Which entities are eligible to apply for the EngSUI Seed Fund?
Agencies that qualify as a Startup as per the Start-up guidelines defined by DIPP/DPIIT are eligible to submit proposals. This includes specific criteria related to incorporation age, annual turnover, and focus on innovation or scalable business models with high potential for employment or wealth creation.
What is the maximum funding available through the EngSUI Seed Fund?
Maximum support is limited to ₹1 Crore per proposal or 100% of the total project cost, whichever is lower. These funds are intended for critical scaling activities.
What expenses can be covered by the EngSUI Seed Fund?
The support may be provided for scaling up technology-based innovations, including patenting, design registration, trademark registry, and technology transfer to develop a marketable product or process towards enterprise creation. Funds also support activities for achieving commercial viability and market readiness.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
