Startup India Seed Fund Scheme at ASPIRE

ASPIRE publishes a Startup India Seed Fund page in its own name, with a link through to the national seed fund portal. The scheme supports proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialisation, and is meant to get a startup to the point where it can raise from investors or borrow from a bank.

Who can apply

• A startup recognised by DPIIT, incorporated not more than two years before applying.
• It must have a business idea for a product or service with market fit, viable commercialisation and room to scale.
• It must use technology in its core product or service, business model, distribution model or method.
• Indian promoters must hold at least 51 per cent at the time of applying.
• It must not already carry substantial support under another central or state government scheme. Prize money, subsidised workspace, a founder allowance, lab access and prototyping access do not count against you.
• Preference goes to work in social impact, waste and water management, financial inclusion, education, agriculture, food processing, biotechnology, healthcare, energy, mobility, defence, space, railways, oil and gas and textiles.

How selection works: ASPIRE's page says only that the fund is disbursed to eligible startups on merit through incubators across India.

How to apply: register on the national Startup India seed fund portal and choose ASPIRE — University of Hyderabad as your incubator. Get your DPIIT recognition in place first.