SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-supported Startups & MSMEs in the Defence sector
Under SIDBI-iDEX Seed Fund by SIIC IIT Kanpur
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Quick Answer
This program by SIIC IIT Kanpur offers equity investment from ₹10 lakh to ₹1.5 crore for iDEX Challenge Winners and DPIIT-recognized startups in the defence and related sectors to promote domestic manufacturing and scale-up.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L – ₹1.5Cr
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- SIIC IIT Kanpur
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- DPIIT recognition, Private Limited company registration
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 22 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by SIIC IIT Kanpur. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this funding program
The SIDBI Seed Fund Programme, facilitated by SIIC IIT Kanpur, aims to promote and accelerate innovation-led MSMEs/startups in the critical defence and related sectors. This initiative specifically targets ventures that have been selected and supported by the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) under various challenges. The core objective is to foster import substitution, bolster domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, and ultimately drive exports from India's burgeoning defence startup ecosystem. By providing crucial seed funding, the program empowers these enterprises to scale their operations, develop advanced technologies, and bring their innovative solutions to market, thereby strengthening national security and technological self-reliance. This program is a collaborative effort to ensure that promising defence startups receive the necessary financial impetus to transition from prototypes to successful commercial deployment.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) is the startup incubator at IIT Kanpur. It was established in 2000 and now operates under the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST), IIT Kanpur. It works from two sites: the IIT Kanpur campus at…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹10L – ₹1.5Cr
What You Get
The program provides equity/equity-like investment ranging from ₹10 Lakhs to ₹150 Lakhs per MSME/Startup. This crucial seed fund support is disbursed in one or more milestone-linked tranches, as determined by the Investment Committee. The funding is designed to support a wide array of activities critical for scaling defence innovations, including testing, trials, prototype development, industrial product design, technology transfers, pilot-scale manufacturing, field and market trials, product launch, and general scale-up requirements. Beyond capital, startups benefit from the strategic validation and support associated with the iDEX ecosystem and the expertise of SIIC IIT Kanpur.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple stages to identify high-potential defence startups. Initial applications undergo a comprehensive preliminary screening and internal evaluation, where proposals are assessed based on crucial technological merit, commercial viability, strength of the management team, and financial projections. Following this, shortlisted startups are invited for an external evaluation, which typically includes a detailed presentation to an expert Investment Committee. This committee, comprising representatives from SIDBI, SIIC IIT Kanpur, and potentially iDEX or defence sector specialists, makes the final decision based on the startup's potential for import substitution, contribution to domestic manufacturing, and overall impact on the defence ecosystem. Final selection is contingent upon successfully clearing due diligence and agreeing to the investment terms.
Application Process
- 1
Call for Application
The program officially opens for applications, inviting eligible defence startups to submit their proposals.
Provider - 2
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of funding does this program offer?
The program offers seed fund support in the form of equity or equity-like investments, ranging from ₹10 Lakhs to ₹150 Lakhs per eligible MSME/Startup. This is not a grant or a loan, but an investment where the program takes a stake in the company.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Eligible applicants include Indian private limited companies incorporated at least one year prior to application. They must be iDEX challenge winners, referred by iDEX to FIRST, and have already received grant support from iDEX. DPIIT startup recognition is also mandatory.
What activities can be funded through this program?
The investment can fund critical activities such as testing and trials of prototypes, industrial product design, technology transfers, pilot scale manufacturing, field and market trials, product launch, and general scale-up funding requirements. The investment committee may also approve other relevant activities.
Is DPIIT Startup India recognition mandatory?
Yes, it is explicitly required that the applicant company must be registered and recognized as a startup with DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, to be eligible for this program.
What is the application process?
The process involves a call for applications, preliminary screening and internal evaluation (technical, commercial, managerial, financial), an external evaluation/presentation to the Investment Committee, announcement of selected startups, term sheet signing, due diligence, legal documentation, and finally, disbursement of investment in milestone-linked tranches.
What is the deadline for applications?
The extended deadline for applications is 22 July 2026.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
