Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) – Up to ₹20 Lakh Grant + ₹50 Lakh Debt Support
DPIIT Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Government seed funding scheme for eligible DPIIT-recognized early-stage startups to support proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, commercialization and scaling through selected incubators.
Who Can Apply?
Verified criteria and borrower eligibility guidelines set by the Government of India.
DPIIT-Recognized Startup
The applicant must be a DPIIT-recognized startup incorporated not more than 2 years before the date of SISFS application.
Eligible Startup Entity
The entity must qualify as a DPIIT-recognized startup, such as a Private Limited Company, Registered Partnership Firm or Limited Liability Partnership.
Scalable Business Idea
The startup must have a product or service idea with market fit, viable commercialization potential and scope for scaling.
Technology-Based Solution
Technology should be used in the core product, service, business model, distribution model or methodology used to solve the targeted problem.
Prior Government Support Limit
The startup should not have received more than ₹10 Lakh of monetary support under any other Central or State Government scheme, excluding specified prizes, subsidized workspace, founder allowance and access to labs or prototyping facilities.
Indian Promoter Shareholding
Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding in the startup at the time of application, subject to applicable Companies Act and SEBI regulations.
Key Features
Core benefits, guarantees, and subsidy structures under this flagship program.
Grant up to ₹20 Lakh
Eligible startups can receive up to ₹20 Lakh as a milestone-based grant for validation of proof of concept, prototype development or product trials.
Debt Support up to ₹50 Lakh
Eligible startups can receive up to ₹50 Lakh for market entry, commercialization or scaling through convertible debentures, debt or debt-linked instruments.
Interest Rate Protection
Debt or debt-linked support under SISFS carries an interest rate not exceeding the prevailing repo rate, subject to the terms fixed by the incubator.
Up to 5-Year Tenure
The tenure for debt or debt-linked funding can be fixed for up to 60 months, with a moratorium of up to 12 months.
Unsecured Seed Funding
Debt and debt-linked assistance under SISFS is unsecured, and no promoter or third-party guarantee is required under the scheme guidelines.
Incubator-Led Support
Selected startups receive funding through approved incubators along with support for testing, validation, mentoring, commercialization and investor networking.
Scheme Benefits
Application Process
DPIIT Recognition
The startup must first hold valid DPIIT recognition and satisfy all SISFS eligibility conditions applicable on the date of application.
Online SISFS Application
Eligible startups submitted their applications online through the SISFS portal and could select up to three approved incubators in order of preference.
ISMC Evaluation
Applications are evaluated by the Incubator Seed Management Committee based on need, feasibility, impact, novelty, team capability, fund utilization and presentation.
Selection & Agreement
Selected startups undergo due diligence and enter into a legal agreement with the incubator defining funding amount, milestones and applicable financing terms.
Milestone-Based Disbursement
Approved seed funding is released to the startup's bank account in accordance with agreed milestones and applicable grant or debt conditions.
Documents Required
Keep the following paperwork ready for instant verification and fast processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
SISFS Applications Closed – Explore Alternative Startup Funding Schemes
Get support with DPIIT recognition, pitch deck preparation, financial modelling and identification of currently available startup grants, incubator programmes and funding schemes.