DST-NIDHI Seed Support Programme at SINE, IIT Bombay
Under NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Program) by SINE, IIT Bombay
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Quick Answer
SINE IIT Bombay's NIDHI Seed Support (NIDHI-SSP) call: equity/CCPS seed funding up to ₹1 crore for DPIIT-recognised startups for prototyping, product trials and commercialization.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1 Cr
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- SINE, IIT Bombay
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 25 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by SINE, IIT Bombay. 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
SINE, with support from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), has opened a call under the NIDHI Seed Support Programme (NIDHI-SSP). The programme provides financial assistance to DPIIT-recognised startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization.
Investment mode: Equity / Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS/OCPS) in a private limited company. Disbursement is in tranches linked to pre-defined milestones, after execution of the Seed Support Agreement.
Usage of funds: product development, apportioned manpower salaries, marketing, mentoring and professional services, with contingencies capped at 10%.
Approved non-incubated companies must incubate (physical/virtual) with SINE to avail the funding.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Go Premium to view.
Funding providers
The Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) is the technology business incubator at IIT Bombay, based on the fifth floor of the RBTIC Building on the Powai campus in Mumbai. Formed as a society in 2004, it is recognised by the Department of Science and Technology as a…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1 Cr
What You Get
Financial assistance under the NIDHI Seed Support Programme (NIDHI-SSP) for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. Investment is in the form of equity / Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS/OCPS), disbursed in tranches linked to pre-defined milestones after the Seed Support Agreement is executed. Funds may be used for product development (equipment, prototyping, testing, raw material, fabrication, outsourced technical services), apportioned team salaries, marketing, mentoring and professional services (legal, IP, accountancy, regulatory). Contingencies are capped at 10%. Approved non-incubated companies incubate (physical/virtual) with SINE to avail the funding.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications undergo a two-level review: an internal review by experts, followed by a presentation to the Investment Committee (IC) for selected teams. Review criteria include technology & innovation, team skills and execution capability, value proposition and competitive advantage, market size/impact, IP, milestone roadmap, and regulatory risks. The IC's decision is final.
Application Process
- 1
Submit application
Apply via the DST-NIDHI Seed Support form with team, product and business details.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form does the funding take?
Equity ownership or Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS/OCPS) in a private limited company, disbursed in milestone-linked tranches.
Who is eligible?
An Indian private limited company with at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding, DPIIT-recognised or willing to obtain a DPIIT certificate.
Can I have received NIDHI seed support before?
No. A startup cannot receive NIDHI seed funding more than once from any source or incubator, and must declare it has not received NIDHI-seed support from any other DST-supported incubator.
What can the funds be used for?
Product development, apportioned team salaries, marketing, mentoring and professional services. Contingencies cannot exceed 10%, and the funding cannot be only for capital expenditure.
Do I need to incubate with SINE?
Yes. If approved, non-incubated companies must incubate (physical or virtual) with SINE to avail the funding.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
