NIDHI Seed Support

The NIDHI Seed Support System exists because incubators can cover space, services and knowledge but not the capital a technology startup needs in its first phase. Bhau's call is currently closed. Unlike its other programmes, this one is an investment: the institute takes equity, puts a nominee director or observer on the board, and expects an exit within three to five years through a promoter buy-back, a sale to shareholders, or the next investment round.

What you get

• Seed support for product development, testing and trials, test marketing, mentoring, professional consultancy, IPR work and day-to-day manpower

Who can apply

• Companies registered in India, registered as a startup with Bhau for at least three months
• Indian startups only; Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies are excluded, while OCI and PIO holders count as Indian citizens for this scheme
• Indian promoters must hold at least 51 percent
• You must be, or be willing to become, a physical incubatee of Bhau before investment, and be registered as a private limited company
• Founders must be willing to share equity

How selection works: a Seed Support Management Committee and an Investment Committee review applications. They look for a dedicated team, a formal business plan, technical soundness, high ethical and professional standards, a strong technology or knowledge component, and credibility for raising money later. Bhau runs financial and legal due diligence and has the valuation done through third-party providers, then signs a term sheet and a shareholder agreement. Reporting is half-yearly to the committee plus annual audited accounts.

How to apply: download the registration form from the programme page and send it to the institute when the call reopens.