Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

This is a Government of India scheme, not a Kerala one. KSUM's funding page labels it central funded, and KSUM's role is to evaluate and support applicants through its own committee process. It covers the stretch before a startup is ready for angel or venture money.

What you get

• Grant support for proof of concept, prototype development and product trials
• Investment through debt or convertible instruments for market entry and scaling up

Who can apply

• A DPIIT-recognised startup incorporated not more than two years ago at the time of application
• A business idea with market fit, viable commercialisation and scope to scale
• Technology in the core product, service, business model, distribution model or methodology
• Indian promoter shareholding of at least 51 percent
• You may take the grant and the debt or convertible support once each
• You must not have taken more than the scheme's stated ceiling of monetary support under any other central or state scheme, excluding prize money, subsidised workspace, founder allowance and lab or prototyping access

Preference goes to startups working on 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: A one-to-one call with KSUM representatives for pre-evaluation, then an initial pitch to the KSUM team or sub-committee, then a final pitch to the ISMC expert committee, which recommends disbursal.

How to apply: Online, through the scheme's official website; KSUM's page links to the central scheme's eligibility details.