NIDHI Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

• Early-stage innovative startups.
• Founders building technology-driven products.
• Startups seeking funding for product development.
• Ventures preparing for commercialization.
• Entrepreneurs looking for incubation and mentorship support.

About this scheme

The NIDHI Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) is a seed funding programme implemented by IIT Mandi Catalyst and sponsored by the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The programme is designed to support innovative startups during the critical early stages of their entrepreneurial journey by providing financial assistance for product development and commercialization.

Through this initiative, eligible startups can receive seed funding of up to ₹50 lakh to develop prototypes, validate technologies, refine products, and accelerate market entry. The funding helps bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, enabling startups to build scalable and sustainable businesses.

As the implementing incubator, IIT Mandi Catalyst provides much more than funding. Selected startups become part of its incubation ecosystem, where they receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, access to investor and industry networks, business development support, and guidance on product strategy, commercialization, and growth.

The programme is ideal for innovative startups with technology-driven solutions that have strong market potential and are seeking both financial support and a structured incubation environment to transform their ideas into successful ventures.

Who can apply

• Innovative startups with commercially viable ideas.
• Startups requiring funding for product development or commercialization.
• Applicants willing to be incubated through IIT Mandi Catalyst.
• Startups aligned with the objectives of the NIDHI-SSS programme.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP

Benefits & funding

• Seed funding of up to ₹50 lakh.
• Financial support for product development.
• Funding to accelerate commercialization.
• Access to IIT Mandi Catalyst's incubation ecosystem.
• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Networking opportunities with investors and ecosystem partners.
• Access to startup support services and infrastructure.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Review the NIDHI Seed Support System programme to understand its objectives, funding support, and incubation benefits offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst.

2. 2

   Confirm that your startup is developing an innovative product or technology and requires seed funding for product development or commercialization.

3. 3

   Prepare your startup profile, business plan, product details, commercialization roadmap, financial requirements, and any supporting documents required during the application process.

4. 4

   Visit the IIT Mandi Catalyst Apply for Incubation portal and complete the online application form with accurate information about your startup, founding team, technology, and funding requirements.

5. 5

   Submit all required documents and ensure your application clearly demonstrates the innovation, market opportunity, scalability, and expected impact of your solution.

6. 6

   Applications are reviewed by the IIT Mandi Catalyst team. Shortlisted startups may be invited for presentations, discussions, technical evaluations, or investment committee interactions.

7. 7

   Selected startups will be admitted into the incubation programme and considered for seed funding support under the NIDHI Seed Support System, along with mentorship and other incubation services.

Documents checklist 8

• Startup Profile
• Business Plan
• Pitch Deck
• Product or Technology Details
• Financial Projections
• Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate (if available)
• Any additional documents requested during evaluation

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

Frequently asked questions