DST NIDHI Seed Support Program , ACIC VGU Foundation

• Deeptech, AI or health startups with technology at TRL 7 or above.

About this scheme

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is providing early-stage financial assistance to technology-driven startups. Through this initiative, promising startups can access structured seed capital to transform validated prototypes into commercially viable products and scalable businesses.

The primary objective of the program is to bridge the gap between laboratory research, prototype development, and market commercialization. Many technology startups struggle during the early transition from proof-of-concept to market-ready product due to lack of capital and strategic guidance. The NIDHI SSP aims to address this gap by offering financial support combined with incubation, mentoring, and ecosystem access to help startups accelerate product development and achieve early market traction.

Under this program selected startups can receive funding support of up to Rs. 50 lakhs. This funding is structured through equity or equity-linked instruments such as CCPS and is disbursed in milestone-based tranches aligned with the startup's development progress. The capital can be used for activities such as prototype improvement, MVP development, product testing, customer validation, commercialization strategies, and go-to-market execution. Limited portions of the funding may also be used for operational needs such as branding, legal support, intellectual property protection, and mentorship services.

Beyond capital, startups selected under the program gain access to the broader innovation ecosystem supported by ACIC VGU Foundation. This includes domain mentorship, expert advisory networks, startup community engagement, investor connections, and growth-focused strategic guidance. The incubation environment helps founders refine business models, strengthen market strategies, and prepare for follow-on funding from venture capital firms, angel investors, and institutional investors.

Who can apply

• Startup must be legally registered in India.
• Startup should preferably be DPIIT-recognized or willing to apply for DPIIT recognition.
• Startup must be incubated with ACIC VGU Foundation for a minimum of 3 months (physical or virtual incubation).
• Startup must have a working prototype or MVP with a clearly defined innovative or technology-driven solution.
• Minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 is required.
• At least 51% equity ownership must be held by Indian promoters.
• Startup should not be a subsidiary of an MNC or foreign company.
• Preference is given to startups that have not previously received seed funding under other Central or State Government schemes.
• Startup should demonstrate strong market potential, customer validation, and scalability.

Eligible entity types: LLP, Private Limited

Benefits & funding

• Seed funding up to Rs.
• 50 lakhs (equity/CCPS, milestone-based) for prototype improvement, MVP, testing, commercialization, and operational needs including branding, legal, and IPR.
• Also includes incubation, domain mentorship, expert networks, investor connections, strategic guidance, and ecosystem access to prepare for follow-on funding.

Frequently asked questions