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Government Schemes & Bodies
DST
In short
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.
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.
How It Works
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).
Application Process
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.
Real-World Example
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.
Key Takeaway
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is DST?+
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.
How does DST work?+
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).
What is the application process for DST?+
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.
What is an example of DST?+
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.
Related Terms in Government Schemes & Bodies
DPIIT Recognition
Registration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade that certifies an entity as a recognised startup under the Startup India initiative. DPIIT recognition is a prerequisite for most central government grant programmes, provides access to the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, and offers benefits like self-certification under nine labour and environmental laws, tax exemption under Section 80-IAC, and fast-track patent examination. To qualify, a company must be incorporated as a Private Limited, LLP, or Partnership, be less than 10 years old, have annual turnover below ₹100 crore, and work towards innovation, development, or improvement of products or processes. More than 100,000 startups are now DPIIT-recognised as of 2025.
Startup India
A flagship Government of India initiative launched on January 16, 2016 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country. The initiative operates through three pillars: simplified compliance and hand-holding (self-certification, easy exit), funding support (the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme of ₹945 crore and the Fund of Funds for Startups of ₹10,000 crore), and incubation and mentoring (a network of incubators, innovation hubs, and academic partnerships). Startup India has recognised over 100,000 startups, and the initiative continues to evolve with new schemes, state partnerships, and sector-specific programmes.
BIRAC
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council — a Government of India body under the Department of Biotechnology. BIRAC is India's primary funder of biotech and life sciences startups, offering a ladder of grant programmes from early-stage proof-of-concept (Biotechnology Ignition Grant, up to ₹50 lakh) through to translational and commercialisation support (SPARSH, BIG-BIRAC, and LEAP). BIRAC also runs fellowship programmes, innovation challenges, and international collaborations. Its grants are milestone-based and typically cover R&D costs, consumables, salaries, and equipment. Since inception, BIRAC has supported over 3,000 startups and played a central role in India's COVID-19 vaccine and diagnostic development.
MeitY
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology — a Government of India ministry that funds technology startups, with a particular focus on AI, cybersecurity, electronics, semiconductor design, and digital governance. MeitY administers schemes such as SAMRIDH (which provides funding up to ₹1 crore for IT product startups), the TIDE (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs) scheme supporting 50+ incubators, and the Digital India R&D initiatives. MeitY grants are open to startups working on national-priority tech stacks, and the ministry runs challenge-based funding calls that combine equity-free grants with mentorship from government technology departments.
MoFPI
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries — a Government of India ministry that grants and subsidies for startups in food processing, cold chain logistics, agri-processing, and value-added food products. MoFPI administers the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which includes component schemes for infrastructure development, quality assurance, and entrepreneurship in food processing. Startups in the agri-food value chain can access grants of up to ₹5 crore for processing units, cold storage, and testing labs. MoFPI also partners with state governments to run food processing incubation centres and innovation challenges.
NABARD
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development — a development bank that funds startups and enterprises in agriculture, rural development, and allied sectors through a mix of grants, venture capital, and subsidised credit. NABARD runs the Rural Innovation and Startup Promotion Scheme (RISPS) that supports rural and agri-startups with grants of up to ₹1 crore, as well as the Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) programme in partnership with universities and ICAR institutions. NABARD's funding is particularly relevant for startups working in farm technology, supply chain, dairy, fisheries, rural fintech, and handicrafts.
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