under ELEVATE Karnataka
Up to ₹50L
Government Schemes & Bodies
The Department of Science and Technology — a Government of India ministry that funds deep-tech, science, and engineering startups through a portfolio of grant programmes. Key schemes include the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI, which runs incubator support and seed funding through a network of 50+ Technology Business Incubators), the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST), and the PURSE scheme for university research. DST grants are competitive and milestone-based, typically ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore for early-stage tech ventures. DST also co-funds innovation challenges in strategic areas like quantum computing, clean energy, and AI with industry partners.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is a Government of India ministry that funds deep-tech, science, and engineering startups through a diverse portfolio of grant programmes and ecosystem-building initiatives. The flagship NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) programme operates a network of over 50 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) located in academic institutions, research labs, and technology parks across the country. NIDHI provides seed funding to startups through these incubators, with grants typically ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore for early-stage tech ventures. DST also runs the PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence) scheme for university research, the FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure) programme for lab modernisation, and the TARE (Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence) scheme for faculty-led innovation. DST grants are particularly relevant for deep-tech, hardware, materials science, clean energy, and engineering startups. DST also co-funds innovation challenges in strategic areas like quantum computing, AI, cybersecurity, and clean energy with industry partners such as Intel, IBM, and AWS. DST has a strong focus on building grassroots innovation through the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and the Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI).
1. Identify the DST programme that matches your stage and technology area — NIDHI is the most accessible for early-stage tech startups. 2. Connect with a DST-recognised incubator near you; most DST grants are accessed through incubators. 3. Prepare a detailed technology proposal with clear R&D objectives, methodology, milestones, and budget. 4. Demonstrate technical feasibility and innovation — DST review panels include technical experts who evaluate the novelty and viability. 5. If awarded, comply with technical milestone reporting and financial utilisation requirements.
An IIT-incubated startup developing a low-cost, portable water quality testing device using electrochemical sensors applies for a ₹40 lakh DST NIDHI grant through their campus incubator. The proposal describes the technology (a handheld device that detects 12 water contaminants including arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metals within 5 minutes), a 12-month development timeline, and a budget covering sensor components, micro-controller development, and field validation across 50 village water sources. The DST review panel includes environmental scientists and electronics engineers who evaluate the technical approach and the public health impact. The grant is approved, and the startup completes the prototype within 10 months, with 95% accuracy against lab-based tests.
DST is the go-to funding source for deep-tech and hardware startups in India. Its NIDHI programme, accessed through recognised incubators, provides substantial non-dilutive early-stage funding for technology development and validation.