NIDHI-Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) at RIIDL
By RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University
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Quick Answer
Seed funding from RIIDL under the DST's NIDHI scheme, as grant, convertible loan, soft loan or equity, for early-stage technology startups incubated at RIIDL.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
NIDHI-SSS at RIIDL (Research Innovation Incubation Design Labs) is seed funding for early-stage, innovation- and technology-driven startups. It sits under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and its NIDHI scheme. RIIDL is a DST-recognised incubator and pays out the support directly.
The funding covers the gap between proof of concept and commercialisation. Depending on your stage and needs, and following DST guidelines, it comes as a grant, convertible loan, soft loan, equity, or a mix. You can spend it on product development, testing and trials, market launch, manpower, professional services and raw materials.
You also get incubation support, access to mentors and investors, and guidance on product development and market launch.
To apply, you need to be a company registered in India. DPIIT registration, or an application for it, is preferred. You must have spent at least 3 months in RIIDL's resident or virtual incubation programme and have a clear USP backed by customer validation. Indian promoters must hold at least 51% of the startup. Indian subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies are not eligible. Startups with no earlier funding from a Government of India or state body are preferred.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
riidl — Research Innovation Incubation Design Labs — is the incubator of Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Vidyavihar, Mumbai. It says it was born in 2010, when three of its founders proposed a space for turning ideas into things and the university's chancellor backed it. Today…
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
The NIDHI-SSS program at RIIDL offers critical seed funding to bridge the gap between proof-of-concept and commercialisation. This support can be provided as a grant, convertible loan, soft loan, or equity, depending on the startup's stage and needs, as per DST guidelines. Beyond direct capital, startups receive comprehensive incubation support, including guidance for product development, assistance with testing and trials, and strategic advice for market launch. The funds can be utilized for manpower, professional services, raw materials, and other essential operational expenses. Additionally, being part of RIIDL's incubator provides access to a network of mentors, potential investors, and market opportunities, fostering overall business growth and sustainability.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications for NIDHI-SSS are first reviewed internally by RIIDL to ensure they meet the initial eligibility and fit criteria. Following this internal assessment, the applications are then presented to and thoroughly evaluated by an independent Seed Management Committee (SMC). This committee is specifically constituted under the guidelines set by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and comprises experts from relevant fields. The SMC scrutinizes the innovation, technology, market potential, team capabilities, and overall business plan of the applicant startups. Successful applicants are then selected based on the SMC's recommendations.
Application Process
- 1
Join RIIDL Incubation
Startups must first join and complete at least 3 months in RIIDL's incubation program (resident or virtual).
You - 2
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- 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 kind of funding does NIDHI-SSS provide?
NIDHI-SSS offers a mix of seed funding which can include grants, convertible loans, soft loans, or equity, provided as per DST guidelines to help startups achieve commercialisation.
Who is eligible to apply for NIDHI-SSS at RIIDL?
Eligible applicants are early-stage, innovation- and technology-driven companies registered in India. They must have been associated with RIIDL's incubation program (resident or virtual) for at least 3 months and demonstrate a clear Unique Selling Proposition. Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding.
Are startups that have previously received government funding eligible?
Startups that have not availed any funding from Government of India or State Government bodies will be given preference, but prior funding from other sources may be allowed. It is not an outright exclusion.
What can the NIDHI-SSS funds be used for?
The seed support can be utilized for product development, testing, trials, market launch activities, manpower costs, professional services, raw material procurement, and other operational needs necessary to scale the business.
How do I apply for the NIDHI-SSS program?
First, your startup must be associated with RIIDL's incubation program for a minimum of 3 months. Once incubated, you can apply for the NIDHI-SSS seed support round through the designated RIIDL application form, typically an online form like the Airtable link provided.
What is the selection process like?
Applications are initially reviewed by RIIDL's internal team. Subsequently, an external Seed Management Committee (SMC), constituted under DST guidelines, evaluates the shortlisted startups. Final selections are made based on the SMC's recommendations.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
