NIDHI Seed Support Scheme

The Department of Science and Technology's seed scheme, which IIMUIC runs for its own incubatees. It is not an entry point — you have to be incubated at the centre first. Its status is unclear: the scheme page says applications are closed while the centre's home page says they are open, so check before you plan around it.

What you get

• Seed support so the startup can scale in the market and go on to raise from angels, venture funds or banks
• Money can go towards product development, testing and trials, test marketing, mentoring, professional consultancy including IP work, and staff for day-to-day operations

Who can apply

• A technology-backed startup in any sector, with customer traction and initial revenue
• A company registered in India
• Incubated with IIMUIC, and considered for investment after three months of incubation
• Indian promoters holding at least 51%

How selection works: support is released only on the recommendation of a Seed Support Management Committee set up by the incubator. It goes to incubatees whether they are physically resident or virtual. The instrument is equity financing.

How to apply: Get incubated at the centre first, then ask the team about seed support.