EngSUI Seed Fund

• Aimed at DPIIT-recognised, revenue-stage startups with TRL 5 or higher technology seeking seed funding.

About this scheme

The EngSUI Seed Fund sits at the heart of EngSUI, a partnership between Engineers India Limited (EIL) and SIIC IIT Kanpur. EIL, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has a major part in the country's energy and infrastructure work, and its support for this fund reflects a commitment to the Startup India programme and to building a lively innovation ecosystem. The aim is to draw on entrepreneurial talent to solve real problems and open new opportunities, in line with EIL's social-responsibility and national goals. SIIC IIT Kanpur, a well-regarded technology incubator, brings long experience in spotting, nurturing, and accelerating high-potential ventures, and offers a full incubation setting that blends strong facilities with industry know-how and academic depth, so startups get sound strategic and operational support.

The programme is for DPIIT-recognised startups across India working on technology innovations. It offers sizeable financial backing to close the difficult gap between a proven proof of concept and a market-ready product. The idea is to carry startups through the so-called valley of death, moving them from validated prototypes to commercially viable products or processes. The focus falls on ventures with real promise for growth, market disruption, and job creation, helping them reach quick commercialisation and broad adoption; that includes shaping a sound business model, refining features on the back of market feedback, and getting ready for larger investment rounds.

Each proposal can receive up to Rs. 1 crore, or the full project cost where that is lower, giving startups vital capital for key scaling steps. Eligible expenses include protecting intellectual property through patents, design registration, and trademark filing, all of which guard a startup's competitive edge. Funds can also go towards technology-transfer work that moves an innovation from the lab into commercial use. The overall package is geared to turning out a commercially viable product or process that can win lasting market traction and grow into a scalable enterprise.

Who can apply

• The applicant must be a startup recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. That recognition implies the usual conditions: incorporated in India for under ten years, annual turnover never above Rs. 100 crore in any year since incorporation, and a focus on innovating or improving products, processes, or services, or a scalable model with strong potential for jobs or wealth creation. It also confirms eligibility for government schemes and the venture's innovative, high-growth nature, which are central to this fund.
• The fund is for startups using technology to build inventive solutions. Successful applicants usually show a high Technology Readiness Level and a clear route to commercialisation, matching the fund's goal of scaling proven technology.
• The grant is chiefly for Indian startups, in keeping with the national focus of Startup India.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership

Benefits & funding

• Up to Rs. 1 crore per proposal, or the full project cost if lower, for scaling technology-based innovations.
• Cover for IP protection (patents and trademarks), technology transfer, business-model work, product refinement, and getting ready for investment rounds.
• A full incubation setting with strong facilities, strategic guidance, operational help, industry knowledge, and academic depth.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with SIIC IIT Kanpur, in your own name.

1. 1

   It begins with an online application on the SIIC IIT Kanpur portal, followed by a first screening.

2. 2

   Shortlisted applicants give interviews and presentations to an expert selection committee.

3. 3

   Due diligence follows, and the final pick rests on how well the proposal fits, plus technology strength, scalability, and the team's ability.

Frequently asked questions