Is this an equity-free grant?

No. Investment is made as equity or equity-linked instruments, and AIC Banasthali also takes one board nominee director and/or observer seat.

Do I need to be incubated at AIC Banasthali before applying?

Yes. At the time of investment you must have completed a minimum of 3 months of physical incubation/residency at AIC Banasthali.

Can male-led startups apply?

No. AIC Banasthali's NIDHI-SSP pool is reserved for women-led startups — maximum shareholding must rest with women founders.

Are Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies eligible?

No. Indian subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies are not eligible. OCI/PIO promoters are treated as Indian citizens for this scheme.

NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs) – Up to ₹50 Lakhs

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is a Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India initiative that channels seed capital to early-stage startups through empanelled incubators. AIC Banasthali Vidyapith deploys this fund exclusively for women-led startups — primarily, but not limited to, science and technology ventures.

The capital is intended for startups that have moved past the idea stage and need timely fuel to build their financial foundation before raising follow-on rounds from angels, venture capitalists, or commercial banks.

What the funding covers

The seed support can be used for day-to-day operational costs, proof-of-concept studies, product development and prototyping, hiring and professional consultancy, mentoring, market research, IPR costs, gap funding before the next round, and validation studies needed to unlock subsequent fundraises.

How disbursement works

Investment is made as equity or equity-linked instruments (so this is not equity-free). The standard ticket is approx. ₹25 lakh, with the upper bound going up to ₹50 lakh for high-potential cases as deemed fit by the Seed Support Management Committee. AIC Banasthali takes one Board Nominee Director and/or observer seat on funded startups.

Why apply through AIC Banasthali specifically

AIC Banasthali is positioned as a women-focused incubator inside Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. The women-only nature of this seed pool means applicants compete in a narrower, more aligned pool than the open NIDHI-SSP cohorts at other incubators.

NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs)

NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs)

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