DST Seed Support System (SSS)
A programme by Vel Tech TBI
Seed support for registered startups incubated at Vel Tech TBI, under the NIDHI programme of the Department of Science and Technology.
At a glance
| Best for | Registered startups already incubated at Vel Tech TBI that have a validated product idea. |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – MVP |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
About DST Seed Support System (SSS)
The Seed Support System is a flagship scheme under NIDHI, run by the Department of Science and Technology. It gives early-stage financial support to promising startups incubated in recognised incubators, to help them build prototypes, test markets and launch products.
What you get
- Seed funding to build prototypes, test markets and launch products.
- Mentoring and advisory support from experienced mentors and domain experts.
- Access to infrastructure and co-working space in the host incubator.
- Market readiness support, including branding, customer outreach and go-to-market help.
Who can apply
- A registered company in India, preferably DPIIT-recognised or with a DPIIT application in progress.
- At least 3 months of association with the incubator in its resident or virtual programme.
- A clear USP validated through customer interaction and market feedback.
- Indian promoters holding at least 51% of the equity.
- Startups that are not an Indian subsidiary of a multinational or foreign corporation.
How to apply: contact the Seed Support System lead at the incubator.
Where to apply
Other Vel Tech TBI programmes
- Startup incubation (pre-incubation and post-incubation)Space, funding, mentoring, networking and training for technology startups, in pre-incubation, resident and virtual tracks.
- NIDHI PRAYASGrant support from idea to prototype for young innovators and early startups, run through the incubator under NIDHI. The current call is closed.
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)Seed funding for proof of concept and prototype development for DPIIT-recognised startups, disbursed through eligible incubators such as Vel Tech TBI.
- Innovation Voucher Programme (IVP), EDII-TN knowledge partnerTamil Nadu voucher scheme that helps manufacturing MSMEs and startups pay for feasibility work, prototyping, testing and IP costs. Vel Tech TBI is the knowledge partner.
- MeitY TIDE 2.0 Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR)A 12-month entrepreneur-in-residence fellowship to validate and develop a technology idea to proof of concept, under MeitY TIDE 2.0 at Vel Tech TBI.
- MeitY TIDE 2.0 GrantA 12-month grant for nascent startups and individual innovators moving a proof of concept to a prototype or minimum viable product, under MeitY TIDE 2.0.
- Entrepreneur Development Programme (Stanford Seed Spark, nominated by Vel Tech TBI)Online early-stage founder programme from Stanford GSB. Vel Tech TBI nominates startups to it and lists past cohorts from 2021 to 2024.