NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) by CIBA
Under NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Program) by CIBA
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Quick Answer
CIBA's 2026 call under DST's NIDHI Seed Support Program for tech startups incubated at CIBA, Vashi. Applications ran 21-31 July 2026 and are closed.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- CIBA
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- Private Limited company registration
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 31 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by CIBA. 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
This page covers CIBA's 2026 call (Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration, Vashi, Navi Mumbai) under DST's NIDHI Seed Support Programme (NIDHI-SSP). CIBA Vashi is on DST's list of incubators supported under NIDHI-SSP. CIBA's 2025 call has its own page.
On DST's NIDHI portal, the national programme backs a startup with up to ₹100 lakh through its listed incubators, and each incubator sets its own call, amount and terms. CIBA's call for applications ran from 21 July to 31 July 2026 and is now closed. We could not confirm the amount or instrument of this call on an official source, so confirm them with CIBA.
How the money comes
DST's NIDHI-SSP guidelines let the incubator invest through a soft loan, equity or an equity-linked instrument, and they prefer equity. So treat it as an investment, not a free grant. DST's guidelines say incubators have typically invested ₹10-25 lakh per startup, and ₹100 lakh is considered only in exceptional cases.
Who can apply (DST guidelines)
- A company registered in India, preferably DPIIT-recognised (or applied)
- At least 3 months in CIBA's resident or virtual incubation programme
- Clarity on your unique selling point through customer validation
- At least 51% of shares held by Indian promoters
- Not an Indian subsidiary of a foreign company (OCI and PIO founders count as Indian)
- A startup already backed once under NIDHI-SSP cannot apply again at another incubator, except with DST's approval
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
CIBA stands for Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration. It is a technology business incubator with centres in Verna and Assagao, both in Goa, and in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. All three centres sit on campuses of the Fr. Agnel Technical Education Complex, and CIBA began life…
Learn moreDepartment of Science & Technology (DST), India The Department of Science & Technology (DST) is a central government department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Established on 3 May 1971, DST serves as the nodal body for organising,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
What You Get
On DST's NIDHI portal, the national programme backs a startup with up to ₹100 lakh through its listed incubators, and each incubator sets its own call, amount and terms. DST's NIDHI-SSP guidelines let the incubator invest through a soft loan, equity or an equity-linked instrument, and they prefer equity. So treat it as an investment, not a free grant. CIBA's own amount and terms for this call are not confirmed on an official source.
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
CIBA screens applications. Its Seed Support Management Committee recommends startups and the amount for each, and DST gives final approval (NIDHI-SSP guidelines).
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your detailed application form, business plan, and supporting documents via the online portal.
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
What is NIDHI-SSP?
The NIDHI Seed Support Program is a Department of Science and Technology (DST) programme that gives seed support to startups through listed incubators. CIBA, Vashi is one of them.
How much funding is available?
On DST's NIDHI portal, the national programme backs a startup with up to ₹100 lakh through its listed incubators, and each incubator sets its own call, amount and terms. We could not confirm CIBA's amount for this call on an official source, so ask CIBA.
Is it equity-free?
No. DST's NIDHI-SSP guidelines let the incubator invest through a soft loan, equity or an equity-linked instrument, and they prefer equity. So treat it as an investment, not a free grant.
Who can apply?
Per DST's guidelines: a company registered in India (preferably DPIIT-recognised), at least 3 months in CIBA's incubation programme, customer-validated clarity on your unique selling point, and at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding.
How is this different from CIBA's 2025 call?
CIBA's 2025 NIDHI-SSP call has its own page. This page covers CIBA's 2026 call, under the same DST programme.
When did applications open and close?
CIBA's call for applications ran from 21 July to 31 July 2026. It is now closed.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
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