NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs)
Under NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Program) by AIC Banasthali
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Quick Answer
Up to ₹50L equity-linked seed support for women-led Indian startups incubated at AIC Banasthali.
- Funding amount
- ₹25 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- AIC Banasthali
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 20 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by AIC Banasthali. 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 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.
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
AIC Banasthali is the Atal Incubation Centre at Banasthali Vidyapith in Rajasthan, on the university campus at Banasthali, PIN 304022. Its own pages say it was set up in 2017 and that it supports women-led startups only. It works mainly with science, technology and deep-tech…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹25 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs
What You Get
Equity-linked seed capital, mentorship, access to AIC Banasthali's incubation ecosystem (lab infrastructure, regulatory support, IP support), a board nominee/observer that adds governance discipline, and exposure to the DST-NIDHI alumni network of seed-funded ventures.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by AIC Banasthali's Seed Support Management Committee. The committee evaluates the innovation, founding team, traction so far, fund utilisation plan, and the startup's readiness to absorb equity-linked capital. Shortlisted teams pitch to the committee before the final investment decision and term sheet.
Application Process
- 1
Online Application
Submit the Google Form with founder, company, traction and fund-utilisation details before 20 June 2026.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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
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.
How much funding can I receive?
The average seed support ticket is approx. ₹25 lakh, with the upper bound going up to ₹50 lakh for high-potential cases at the discretion of the Seed Support Management Committee.
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.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
