The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT), aims to provide crucial seed funding support to innovative startups at their early stages. It bridges the funding gap for proof-of-concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. By offering financial assistance through recognized incubators across India, the scheme enables startups to validate ideas, scale, and become investment-ready. The program plays a catalytic role in helping entrepreneurs graduate to securing angel, venture capital, or bank funding. It also strengthens the overall incubation ecosystem by empowering incubators as disbursing partners. Our Funding Support Includes Funding to Startups: Up to ₹20 lakh as grants for proof of concept, prototype development, and product trials Up to ₹50 lakh via convertible debentures/debt for market entry, commercialization, and scaling. Incubator Support: Up to ₹5 crore in grants to eligible incubators for seed disbursal. Support System: Selection, monitoring, mentoring, infrastructure access, investor connects, and showcasing opportunities. Advisory Oversight: Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) ensures selection, disbursement, and monitoring integrity. SISFS Program Coverage SISFS covers the critical “valley of death” stage for startups, where initial proof of concept and early product trials require financial backing. It ensures nationwide coverage by channeling funds through selected incubators, empowering them to support diverse sectors and regions. The scheme strengthens both entrepreneurs and incubation centers, fostering innovation-driven job creation and growth. SISFS Program Details Mode Nationwide, via accredited incubators (online applications through Startup India portal). Duration Milestone-based funding over a maximum of 3 years (per incubator grant cycle). Cohort Size Flexible — depends on incubator capacity; each incubator supports multiple startups, with funding capped at ₹20–50 lakh per startup. Who Can Apply? Startups: Recognized by DPIIT, incorporated not more than 2 years ago. Must have a technology-driven product/service or business model. Open, with preference for scalable tech-driven businesses. Should have a viable commercialization and scaling potential. Preference for sectors like social impact, waste management, water, fintech, education, agri/food processing, biotech, healthcare, energy, mobility, defence, space, textiles, etc. Should not have received > ₹10 lakh support from other Central/State Govt. schemes. Must have ≥51% Indian promoter shareholding at the time of application.