NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs)

• Up to Rs. 50 lakh seed support
• DST NIDHI-SSP backed (central scheme)
• Women-led startups only
• Includes incubation + mentorship at AIC Banasthali
• Board nominee + governance support

About this scheme

The **NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP)** is a Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India initiative that channels seed capital to early-stage startups through empanelled incubators. AIC Banasthali Vidyapith deploys this fund exclusively for **women-led startups** , primarily, but not limited to, science and technology ventures.

The capital is intended for startups that have moved past the idea stage and need timely fuel to build their financial foundation before raising follow-on rounds from angels, venture capitalists, or commercial banks.

**What the funding covers**

The seed support can be used for day-to-day operational costs, proof-of-concept studies, product development and prototyping, hiring and professional consultancy, mentoring, market research, IPR costs, gap funding before the next round, and validation studies needed to unlock subsequent fundraises.

**How disbursement works**

Investment is made as **equity or equity-linked instruments** (so this is not equity-free). The standard ticket is approx. Rs. 25 lakh, with the upper bound going up to Rs. 50 lakh for high-potential cases as deemed fit by the Seed Support Management Committee. AIC Banasthali takes one Board Nominee Director and/or observer seat on funded startups.

**Why apply through AIC Banasthali specifically**

AIC Banasthali is positioned as a women-focused incubator inside Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. The women-only nature of this seed pool means applicants compete in a narrower, more aligned pool than the open NIDHI-SSP cohorts at other incubators.

Who can apply

• Startup must be a registered company in India (typically private limited / LLP)
• Must have completed minimum 3 months of physical incubation/residency at AIC Banasthali at the time of investment
• Not eligible: Indian subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies. OCI/PIO promoters are treated as Indian citizens for this scheme
• Indian promoter shareholding in the startup must be at least 51%
• For seed support specifically from AIC Banasthali, maximum shareholding should be with women founders (women-led requirement)

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP

Benefits & funding

• Equity-linked seed capital, mentorship, access to AIC Banasthali's incubation ecosystem (lab infrastructure, regulatory support, IP support), a board nominee/observer that adds governance discipline, and exposure to the DST-NIDHI alumni network of seed-funded ventures.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Applications are reviewed by AIC Banasthali's Seed Support Management Committee.

2. 2

   The committee evaluates the innovation, founding team, traction so far, fund utilisation plan, and the startup's readiness to absorb equity-linked capital.

3. 3

   Shortlisted teams pitch to the committee before the final investment decision and term sheet.

Documents checklist 6

• Pitch Deck
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Shareholding Pattern (showing women shareholding and Indian promoter %)
• Proof of AIC Banasthali Incubation/Residency (min 3 months)
• Fund Utilisation Plan
• Founder KYC (PAN, Aadhaar)

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions