FundingFunding opportunities up to ₹10 Lakh through ACIC-VGU schemes
Equity-free Idea AI, SaaS & Enterprise
ClosesAug 15, 2026
Cycle-based Grant Equity-free
NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (NIDHI-SSS)
by PDEU Innovation and Incubation Centre
The NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) at PDEU Innovation and Incubation Centre provides up to ₹50 lakh in DST funding to technology-based startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.
Check your readinessShare a few details and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit, documents and timelines for this scheme. Free, no obligation.
- Technology-driven startups with validated innovative products that require seed funding to commercialize and scale their solutions.
About this scheme
The NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, implemented by PDEU Innovation and Incubation Centre (PDEU IIC). The program provides seed funding of up to ₹50 lakh to innovative technology startups to bridge the gap between product development and commercialization.
The funding supports activities such as Proof of Concept (PoC), prototype development, product validation, market trials, market entry, and commercialization. In addition to financial assistance, selected startups receive incubation support, mentorship, access to infrastructure, networking opportunities, and guidance from industry experts to accelerate their growth.
Who can apply
- Company must be registered in India.
- Must be a technology-based startup with a validated Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and customer validation.
- At least 51% shareholding must be held by Indian promoters (OCI/PIO holders are considered eligible as Indian citizens under the scheme).
- The startup must not be a foreign company or an Indian subsidiary of a multinational or foreign company.
- The startup must not have previously received support under the NIDHI Seed Support Program.
Benefits & funding
Headline support
Up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for Proof of Concept, Prototype Development, Product Trials, Market Entry & Commercialization
- unding up to ₹50 lakh.
- Support for Proof of Concept (PoC).
- Prototype development funding.
- Product trials and validation.
- Market entry assistance.
- Commercialization support.
- Business mentoring.
- Incubation facilities.
- Investor connect.
- Access to PDEU IIC's startup ecosystem.
How the application process works
The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with PDEU Innovation and Incubation Centre, in your own name.
- 1
Submit the online application through the official application portal.
- 2
Complete the eligibility screening.
- 3
Present your startup before the evaluation committee.
- 4
Undergo technical and commercial assessment.
- 5
Receive approval from the selection committee.
- 6
Execute the funding and incubation agreement.
- 7
Receive milestone-based funding.
Want a second pair of eyes before you submit?IncorpX provides assistance for structuring proposals and organising the paperwork this process expects.
Documents checklist 9
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Pitch Deck
- Business Plan
- Financial Projections
- Founder KYC
- Shareholding Pattern
- Prototype/Product Details
- Customer Validation (if available)
- DPIIT Recognition Certificate (if available)
Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.
Official application
Ready to apply? Get the official link
Applications are submitted directly with PDEU Innovation and Incubation Centre, in your own name. Share a few details and we will point you to the official application portal and help you prepare a complete submission.
Here is the official application link
Apply in your own name with PDEU Innovation and Incubation Centre. Want a second pair of eyes before you submit? An IncorpX advisor can help you prepare.
Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
Who can apply for the NIDHI Seed Support Program?
Technology-based startups registered in India with a validated Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and customer validation are eligible to apply, subject to meeting all program criteria.
How much funding is available?
Selected startups can receive seed funding of up to ₹50 lakh for eligible activities.
What can the funding be used for?
The funding can be used for Proof of Concept (PoC), prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization of innovative products.
Is the startup required to be registered in India?
Yes. The applicant must be a company registered in India.
Can foreign companies apply?
No. Foreign companies and Indian subsidiaries of multinational or foreign companies are not eligible.
What is the ownership requirement?
At least 51% of the startup's shareholding must be held by Indian promoters. OCI and PIO holders are considered eligible as Indian citizens under the scheme.
Can a startup that has already received NIDHI Seed Support apply again?
No. Startups that have previously received support under the NIDHI Seed Support Program are not eligible.
Is DPIIT recognition mandatory?
The current eligibility information does not specify DPIIT recognition as a mandatory requirement.
Is there any application fee?
No application fee has been specified by the program.
What additional support does PDEU IIC provide?
In addition to funding, selected startups receive incubation support, mentorship, access to infrastructure, networking opportunities, and guidance from industry experts.
How are startups selected?
Applications are screened for eligibility and evaluated based on the innovation, technology, commercial potential, and overall viability of the startup.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted during announced application cycles. Refer to the official application portal for the current deadline.
Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
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