NIDHI Seed Support System
A programme by Vel Tech Technology Business Incubator (Vel Tech TBI)
DST seed funding for startups already incubated here for at least three months, to build, test and launch a product.
At a glance
| Best for | Startups already incubated at Vel Tech TBI with a validated proposition |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – Early revenue |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Free |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | Department of Science & Technology (NSTEDB), Technology Development Board |
About NIDHI Seed Support System
The Seed Support System is the step after incubation rather than a way in. It funds startups already sitting inside the incubator, to build prototypes, test markets and launch. Vel Tech TBI has run DST seed support since 2015. No dated call is published, so ask the seed support lead where the current round stands.
What you get
- Seed funding to build prototypes, test markets and launch products
- Mentors, domain experts and business advisory
- Infrastructure, technical facilities and co-working space inside the incubator
- Help with branding, customer outreach and go-to-market
- Introductions to investor networks, industry bodies and government schemes
Who can apply
- A company registered in India, preferably DPIIT-recognised or having applied for DPIIT recognition
- At least three months of association with the incubator on its resident or virtual incubation programme
- A demonstrated unique selling proposition, validated through customer interaction and market feedback
- Not an Indian subsidiary of a multinational or foreign corporation. OCI and PIO holders count as Indian citizens.
- Indian promoters holding at least 51 per cent of the equity
How selection works: preference goes to startups that have not already received funding from a central or state government agency.
How to apply: contact the Seed Support System lead at veltechtbi@veltech.edu.in.
Where to apply
Other Vel Tech Technology Business Incubator (Vel Tech TBI) programmes
- Startup incubation at Vel Tech TBIThe incubator's main route in, giving startups space, mentoring, training and access to its workshops, with no incubation charge stated.
- NIDHI PRAYASDST's idea-to-prototype grant, run here as a PRAYAS centre with its own fab lab. The Year 5 call is closed.
- MeitY TIDE 2.0Vel Tech TBI is an approved TIDE 2.0 centre, with two twelve-month routes for ICT founders under 35: Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Grant.
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)Vel Tech TBI disburses DPIIT's seed fund to DPIIT-recognised startups under two years old, as grant and as convertible debenture.
- Innovation Voucher Programme (EDII-TN)A Tamil Nadu government voucher scheme for manufacturing MSMEs, with Vel Tech TBI as knowledge partner. Written for the 2024-25 round.
Everything about Vel Tech Technology Business Incubator (Vel Tech TBI)