Starknet Seed and Growth Grants
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Quick Answer
Non-dilutive grants paid in STRK: up to US$25,000 (about ₹23.75 lakh) for early teams with an MVP, and up to US$1 million (about ₹9.5 crore) for live products on Starknet.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Starknet Foundation
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- International
About this grant
The Starknet Seed and Growth Grants are non-dilutive grants from the Starknet Foundation for teams building applications in the Starknet ecosystem. Seed Grants go up to US$25,000 (about ₹23.75 lakh) for early teams with an MVP, and Growth Grants run from US$25,000 up to US$1 million (about ₹9.5 crore) for live, production-grade products. There is no application deadline, the grants are paid in STRK, and any team can apply from anywhere, though prior Starknet involvement helps.
Non-dilutive means you give up no ownership: the page describes funding without equity. It is crypto funding, so it fits teams building on Starknet and not a general startup looking for rupee grants.
What the program offers
Seed Grants give up to US$25,000 in STRK to early-phase teams for go-to-market work, and applicants present a plan for how they will use the money over the next three months. Growth Grants give US$25,000 to US$1 million in STRK to later-phase teams whose product is already live and being used. Growth categories are innovation, ecosystem integration, content and creator work, "The Next Billion" (easy onboarding of new users), Bitcoin builders, and other ideas.
Payment is only in STRK, Starknet's token, not in rupees or dollars. STRK's price can move, so the rupee value you actually receive can differ from the amount approved. Beyond money, the page mentions non-financial guidance, follow-on funding opportunities through an investor network, and access to the Starknet community online and offline.
Who can apply
For Seed Grants, the page looks for early teams with a clear idea of what they will build on Starknet and an MVP or proof of concept. They are expected to be active in the Starknet community, for example through hackathons or builder programs, and plan to use existing Starknet tools. Projects already live with a core user base cannot take a Seed Grant and should look at Growth Grants. For Growth Grants, the page asks for a production-grade product already in the market. The FAQ says there are no restrictions on the type of project, and projects funded before by StarkWare or the Starknet Foundation may apply if they explain how they will use the new grant.
For an Indian team, the page names no country restriction, so you can apply from India. It suits blockchain developers with a working prototype on or for Starknet. It does not suit teams with only an idea, or ones with no interest in Starknet.
How to apply
First choose between Seed Grants and Growth Grants. Fill in the grants form linked from the Starknet grants page, with a plan for using the grant over the next three months for Seed applications. Growth categories each have their own application link. The page does not state the application language or the documents required beyond the form. A practical tip: say clearly what you will build or ship on Starknet and what you will report back, since the committee scores milestones and community engagement. Applications are confidential and shared only within the Starknet Foundation and StarkWare. Reapplying is allowed if you explain how the project has changed.
How applications are judged and what happens next
An internal committee reviews applications in rounds and scores them on potential impact, innovation, milestones, community engagement and track record, and how embedded the team is in the Starknet ecosystem. The Foundation keeps sole discretion over who receives grants. Growth applicants also go through interviews, according to the listing. Decisions usually arrive in about four weeks, and unsuccessful applicants are also told.
If you are selected, you must complete KYC (know your customer) or KYB (know your business) checks and sign a grant agreement before funds are released. Projects that will not complete KYC or KYB are ineligible. About three months after the grant, the Foundation checks in on results, and grantees are asked to share regular updates such as blog posts, videos or AMAs.
About the Starknet Foundation
The Starknet Foundation runs the grants program and supports the growth of the Starknet ecosystem. The grants page gives little other background on the organisation. It works alongside StarkWare, the team behind the technology, which also sees applications.
Things to check before you apply
- The grant is paid in STRK, so its value in rupees can rise or fall before you convert it.
- KYC or KYB is mandatory before payout, so keep your company or identity documents ready.
- The page lists no deadline, but reviews happen in rounds, so apply when your plan is ready.
- Seed Grants are not for projects already live with a core user base.
- Indian recipients of crypto should check tax treatment with an adviser before applying.
- The source does not say whether there is an application fee.
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.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Seed Grants pay up to US$25,000 (about ₹23.75 lakh) in STRK to take an MVP or proof of concept to market over about three months. Growth Grants pay from US$25,000 to US$1 million (about ₹9.5 crore) in STRK to mature teams with a live product. Grantees also get non-financial guidance and access to follow-on funding through the Foundation's investor network.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
An internal Starknet Foundation committee assesses each application on potential impact, innovation, milestones, community engagement and track record, and how embedded the team is in the Starknet ecosystem. Growth Grant applicants also go through interviews, according to the listing. Decisions usually arrive in about four weeks. Applications stay confidential between the Starknet Foundation and StarkWare.
Application Process
- 1
Application
Submit the form with a three-month plan for using the grant.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Starknet Seed and Growth Grants?
Seed Grants are for early teams with a clear idea, an MVP or proof of concept, and active involvement in the Starknet community. Growth Grants are for later-phase teams with a live, production-grade product. The page applies no restriction on project type.
Can Indian startups apply for Starknet grants?
The page names no country restriction, so an Indian team can apply. You must complete KYC or KYB before funds are released. Indian recipients of crypto should check tax treatment with an adviser.
How much is the Starknet Seed Grant and Growth Grant?
Seed Grants are up to US$25,000 (about ₹23.75 lakh). Growth Grants run from US$25,000 up to US$1 million (about ₹9.5 crore). Both are paid in STRK.
How are Starknet grants paid?
Grants are paid only in STRK, Starknet's token, after KYC or KYB and a signed grant agreement. STRK's price can move, so the rupee value you receive can differ from the approved amount. The page does not describe a payment schedule.
What is the deadline for Starknet grants?
There are no application deadlines, and applications are reviewed in rounds. A decision usually takes about four weeks. If you are not selected, you can reapply, explaining how the project has evolved.
Are Starknet grants equity or non-dilutive?
They are non-dilutive, meaning no equity is taken in exchange. They are paid in STRK, a token, rather than as an investment in your company. Read the grant agreement for the exact terms.
What documents do I need to apply for a Starknet grant?
You fill in the grants form for your category, including a plan for using a Seed Grant over the next three months. After selection you need to complete KYC or KYB. The page does not list other documents.
Do I have to travel for a Starknet grant?
The page mentions no travel requirement. Growth applicants go through interviews, but the source does not say whether they are in person. Confirm during the process.
Is it free to apply for Starknet grants?
The source does not state an application fee, and nothing on the page asks for payment. Check the form before submitting.
When will I hear back after applying for a Starknet grant?
Decisions are usually communicated in about four weeks, depending on the complexity of the request. Rejected applicants are also notified. About three months after a grant, the Foundation assesses results.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
