NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst
Under NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) by IIT Mandi Catalyst
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
NIDHI-SSS provides seed funding of up to ₹50 Lakhs to early-stage, innovation-driven startups incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst for product development and commercialization.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIT Mandi Catalyst
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 20 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by IIT Mandi Catalyst. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) is a scheme under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, aimed at fostering an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. Implemented by host Technology Business Incubators such as IIT Mandi Catalyst, NIDHI-SSS provides early-stage financial assistance to technology-driven and innovation-led startups. The scheme acts as a bridge for promising ventures, enabling them to move from proof-of-concept to a market-ready product.
IIT Mandi Catalyst, located at the Kamand Campus of IIT Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, uses this scheme to support its incubatee startups. The funding is designed to address the challenges nascent startups face in developing their prototypes, validating the market, and preparing for an initial commercial launch. By providing seed capital, NIDHI-SSS de-risks the early phases of a startup's journey and makes it more attractive for future private investment. The programme reflects the government's commitment to nurturing a vibrant startup culture, particularly in deep-technology and innovation domains with the potential for significant societal and economic impact.
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.
Grant providers
IIT Mandi Catalyst is the technology business incubator (TBI) run by IIT Mandi from its Kamand campus in Himachal Pradesh. Launched in 2016, it was the state's first TBI. It is funded by IIT Mandi itself, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Ministry of…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
NIDHI-SSS offers up to ₹50 Lakhs in seed funding to early-stage, innovation-driven startups incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst. The funding is earmarked for product development, prototyping, testing, and initial commercialization — helping startups move from proof-of-concept to a market-ready product. As an incubatee scheme, it also connects founders to IIT Mandi Catalyst's incubation support and the wider DST innovation ecosystem.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for NIDHI-SSS funding are evaluated by a selection committee at IIT Mandi Catalyst, comprising internal experts and external industry specialists. The process typically involves an initial screening of online applications and submitted documents (business plan, pitch deck, etc.) to assess innovation potential, market viability, and team capability. Shortlisted startups are then invited for an in-depth interview or pitch presentation, allowing the committee to examine their technology, product roadmap, and utilization plan for the seed funding. Final selection is based on the overall strength of the proposal, alignment with programme objectives, and the startup's potential for impact.
Application Process
- 1
Become Incubatee
Ensure your startup is accepted and enrolled as an incubatee at IIT Mandi Catalyst.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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 the NIDHI-SSS program?
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) is a scheme under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) programme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. It provides seed funding to early-stage, innovation-driven startups to nurture and accelerate their growth, and is implemented at IIT Mandi Catalyst.
What is the maximum funding available?
Startups can receive seed funding of up to INR 50 Lakhs (₹50,00,000) under this scheme. The exact amount disbursed depends on the startup's specific needs, milestones, and evaluation by the incubator.
Who is eligible for NIDHI-SSS funding?
Only startups that are currently incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst are eligible for NIDHI-SSS seed support. The programme targets innovation- or technology-driven startups that require this seed capital for product development and commercialization.
What can the funding be used for?
The funding is intended for product development, prototyping, testing, and commercialization purposes, helping startups transition their innovative ideas into viable market offerings.
Who funds the NIDHI-SSS scheme?
The scheme is sponsored by the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and is implemented locally by IIT Mandi Catalyst as the host Technology Business Incubator.
How do I apply for NIDHI-SSS?
Applications are submitted online through the dedicated NIDHI-SSS application form hosted by IIT Mandi Catalyst. Prospective applicants must first be accepted into and be an active incubatee of IIT Mandi Catalyst to be considered for this seed support.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
