Schemes / Government of India
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Central schemeStartupEntrepreneur
Early-stage seed funding for DPIIT-recognised startups, routed through selected incubators, for proof of concept, prototypes, product trials and market entry. Check the portal to see whether incubators are currently accepting applications.
What you get
A grant of up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept, prototype development or product trials, and up to ₹50 lakh through convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments for market entry, commercialisation or scale-up.
Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised startup incorporated not more than two years before applying
- A business idea with market fit, viable commercialisation and scope for scaling, using technology in its core product or service
- Indian promoters must hold at least 51% of shareholding
- Must not have received more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support under other central/state schemes
How to apply
- Get DPIIT startup recognition on the Startup India portal
- Apply on the seed fund portal, choosing up to three incubators
- Incubator evaluates and selects; funds are released in milestone-based instalments
Nodal authority: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Amounts and rules change — the official page is the final word.