NIDHI SSS Seed Support at GUSEC
Under NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) by GUSEC
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Quick Answer
Up to ₹50L seed support (equity or debt) for Indian deeptech startups incubated at GUSEC.
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 7 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by GUSEC. 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
GUSEC Seed is the implementation of the NIDHI Seed Support System (SSS) scheme at the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council. NIDHI-SSS is a flagship seed funding scheme of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), an autonomous board of the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. GUSEC is also recognised as a TIDE Incubation Centre under MeitY Startup Hub.
Selected startups can leverage investments of up to ₹50,00,000, structured as equity, debt, or a mix of both. The instrument, tenure, and quantum vary case-by-case. Funding is disbursed in tranches against milestone progress. Half-yearly progress reviews to the SSMC continue for at least 12 months after the funds are utilised, alongside quarterly and annual financial reporting and submission of a Utilisation Certificate.
GUSEC is targeting deeptech founders working in AI, SpaceTech, IoT, ML, defence-tech, and adjacent deep technology areas. Preference is given to technology-oriented and product startups with traction, IP and knowledge-rich ventures, and startups raising larger rounds where GUSEC contributes a portion. Incubation at GUSEC is mandatory to actually receive funds — non-incubated startups can still apply, and the application is treated as both a seed application and a GUSEC incubation application. The first tranche releases only after a minimum of three months of incubation at GUSEC.
Applications close on 31 May 2026.
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
GUSEC is Gujarat University's own startup council, based on the university's campus in Ahmedabad. It runs as a Section 8 not-for-profit company chaired by the university's Vice-Chancellor, with day-to-day operations led by a Group CEO. Its own pages give different founding dates…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
What You Get
Investments of up to ₹50 lakh per startup, structured as equity, debt, or a mix depending on the venture. Funds are disbursed in tranches against milestones. Beyond capital, selected startups get GUSEC's incubation support, mentorship from the GUSEC and TIDE ecosystem, and access to the wider MeitY Startup Hub and DST/NSTEDB programmes. Preference rules favour startups raising larger rounds where GUSEC can co-invest a portion.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Startups submit the GUSEC Seed application form before 31 May 2026 — the same form also serves as the GUSEC incubation application for non-incubated applicants. Applications go through a first-level scrutiny by GUSEC's seed team followed by a second-level review. Selected startups receive seed support under the DST NIDHI SSS scheme.
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
How much funding is available?
Startups can leverage investments of up to ₹50,00,000 (₹50 lakh) per startup under GUSEC Seed. The instrument can be equity, debt, or a mix, decided case-by-case.
Do I need to be incubated at GUSEC to apply?
Non-incubated startups are welcome to apply — the same application is treated as a GUSEC Seed application and a GUSEC incubation application. However, the first tranche of funding is only released after the startup completes 3 months of exclusive incubation at GUSEC.
What entity type and ownership is required?
Registered Indian company (Private Limited or LLP) with at least 51% shareholding by Indian promoters. OCI and PIO holders count as Indian. Indian subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies are not eligible.
Is DPIIT recognition required?
DPIIT recognition is preferred but not strictly mandatory. The startup must fall under DPIIT's definition of a startup.
What sectors does GUSEC Seed prioritise?
GUSEC is targeting deep technology areas including AI, SpaceTech, IoT, ML, and defence-tech. Preference is given to technology-oriented, product, and IP-rich startups with traction or those raising larger rounds where GUSEC can co-invest.
When is the application deadline?
31 May 2026 is the last date to apply.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
