NIDHI SSP (Seed Support Program) – Up to ₹1 Cr Seed Capital for Incubated Startups
National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - Seed Support Program (DST)
Flagship seed funding program by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) providing up to ₹100 Lakhs (₹1 Crore) in early-stage risk capital (soft loan, equity, or convertible debentures) to tech startups incubated at DST-recognized Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
Who Can Apply?
Verified criteria and borrower eligibility guidelines set by the Government of India.
TBI Incubated Startups
Startups physically or virtually incubated at a DST-supported Technology Business Incubator (TBI).
DPIIT-Recognised Companies
Private Limited Companies registered with DPIIT with valid incorporation documentation.
Working Prototype / MVP Ready
Enterprises with an engineered prototype, minimum viable product (MVP), or initial pilot customer validation.
Tech-Driven Innovations
Startups in Deeptech, Biotech, Medtech, Cleantech, AI/ML, SaaS, Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Indian Citizen Majority
Companies with at least 51% shareholding held by resident Indian promoters.
Commercial Scale-Up Ready
Ventures requiring capital for product trials, certifications, market launch, and early revenue scaling.
Key Features
Core benefits, guarantees, and subsidy structures under this flagship program.
Substantial Seed Capital
Up to ₹100 Lakhs (average ₹25L to ₹100L) per startup for commercialization and market scale-up.
Flexible Financing Instruments
Disbursed as equity shares, compulsory convertible debentures (CCDs), or soft loans with low interest rates.
TBI Seed Committee Appraisal
Streamlined local evaluation by the TBI's Seed Support Management Committee (SSMC) for fast-track sanctions.
Bridge to Series A Funding
De-risks early-stage ventures and prepares them for institutional venture capital and angel syndicates.
Comprehensive Ecosystem Support
Access to TBI labs, pilot testing facilities, customer networks, and intellectual property support.
Founder-Friendly Terms
Competitive valuation terms and fair moratorium periods for soft loans designed for tech entrepreneurs.
Scheme Benefits
Application Process
TBI Incubation & Eligibility
Secure active incubation status (physical or virtual) with a DST-approved Technology Business Incubator (TBI).
Seed Support Application
Submit comprehensive business plan, commercialization strategy, financial model, and seed capital budget.
SSMC Evaluation & Diligence
Present before the Seed Support Management Committee (SSMC) comprising TBI leadership, investors, and tech experts.
Term Sheet & Investment Agreement
Finalize valuation terms, investment structure (equity/debt/CCD), and execute seed investment agreement.
Tranche Disbursement & Scale-Up
Receive milestone-linked seed capital funds and deploy capital towards market launch and scaling.
Documents Required
Keep the following paperwork ready for instant verification and fast processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scale Your Incubated Tech Startup with NIDHI SSP Seed Capital
Get end-to-end advisory on TBI alignment, business plan structuring, valuation, and SSMC committee presentation.