Start-up India Seed Fund, through ASPIRE
A programme by ASPIRE-BioNEST
Seed financial assistance for DPIIT-recognised start-ups, disbursed on merit through incubators across India. ASPIRE publishes the scheme on its seed fund page.
At a glance
| Best for | DPIIT-recognised start-ups, under two years old, with at least 51 per cent Indian promoter shareholding. |
|---|---|
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
About Start-up India Seed Fund, through ASPIRE
The Start-up India Seed Fund provides seed financial assistance to early start-ups. It is disbursed to eligible start-ups on merit through incubators across India, and ASPIRE publishes the scheme on its seed fund page.
What you get
- Seed financial assistance, disbursed on merit. The page does not state the size of the grant.
Who can apply
- Start-ups recognised by DPIIT.
- Start-ups incorporated no more than two years before the application.
- At least 51 per cent Indian promoter shareholding at the time of application.
- Start-ups that have not received more than the ceiling on other central or state government support.
How selection works: Start-ups are selected on merit by the incubators that run the scheme.
How to apply: We could not confirm that the scheme is open for applications now, or its deadline. Check the seed fund page for the current status.
Where to apply
Other ASPIRE-BioNEST programmes
- ASPIRE-BioNEST incubationLife-sciences incubation for start-ups in agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, at the University of Hyderabad.
- ASPIRE Pre-Incubation ProgramPre-incubation for innovators from the University of Hyderabad community, selected through a concept competition. Closed; the last deadline was 15 December 2025.
- BIO-INNOVATE 2026 Life Science Innovation HackathonA life-science innovation hackathon with prize money and recognition, for current students, researchers and 2025 graduates. The 2026 concept note deadline has passed.