FundingRs. 10 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh
Equity-free Idea Logistics & Mobility
ClosesJun 15, 2026
Closed Equity Funding
NIDHI SSS Seed Support at GUSEC
by GUSEC
Up to Rs. 50L seed support (equity or debt) for Indian deeptech startups incubated at GUSEC.
Check your readinessShare a few details and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit, documents and timelines for this scheme. Free, no obligation.
- Deeptech, AI or space startups at product or revenue stage incubated at GUSEC.
About this scheme
GUSEC Seed is the implementation of the NIDHI Seed Support System (SSS) scheme at the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council. NIDHI-SSS is a flagship seed funding scheme of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), an autonomous board of the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. GUSEC is also recognised as a TIDE Incubation Centre under MeitY Startup Hub.
Selected startups can leverage investments of up to Rs. 50,00,000, structured as equity, debt, or a mix of both. The instrument, tenure, and quantum vary case-by-case. Funding is disbursed in tranches against milestone progress. Half-yearly progress reviews to the SSMC continue for at least 12 months after the funds are utilised, alongside quarterly and annual financial reporting and submission of a Utilisation Certificate.
GUSEC is targeting deeptech founders working in AI, SpaceTech, IoT, ML, defence-tech, and adjacent deep technology areas. Preference is given to technology-oriented and product startups with traction, IP and knowledge-rich ventures, and startups raising larger rounds where GUSEC contributes a portion. Incubation at GUSEC is mandatory to actually receive funds , non-incubated startups can still apply, and the application is treated as both a seed application and a GUSEC incubation application. The first tranche releases only after a minimum of three months of incubation at GUSEC.
Applications close on 31 May 2026.
Who can apply
- Registered company in India (Private Limited or LLP)
- At least 51% shareholding by Indian promoters (OCI and PIO holders count as Indian for this scheme)
- Must be an Indian startup as per DPIIT's definition; Indian subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies are not eligible
- DPIIT-recognised startup certificate is preferred (not strictly mandatory)
- Exclusive incubation at GUSEC is mandatory to receive funding; first tranche disbursed after 3 months of incubation
- No unutilised grant from GUSEC or any other incubator should be earmarked in the startup's name at the time of disbursement
- Compliance with GUSEC's Startup Progress Review (SPR), Renewal of Incubation (Form-D), and Community Development Contribution (CDC) policies
Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP
Benefits & funding
Headline support
Up to Rs. 50 lakh
- Investments of up to Rs.
- 50 lakh per startup, structured as equity, debt, or a mix depending on the venture.
- Funds are disbursed in tranches against milestones.
- Beyond capital, selected startups get GUSEC's incubation support, mentorship from the GUSEC and TIDE ecosystem, and access to the wider MeitY Startup Hub and DST/NSTEDB programmes.
- Preference rules favour startups raising larger rounds where GUSEC can co-invest a portion.
How the application process works
The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with GUSEC, in your own name.
- 1
Startups submit the GUSEC Seed application form before 31 May 2026 , the same form also serves as the GUSEC incubation application for non-incubated applicants.
- 2
Applications go through a first-level scrutiny by GUSEC's seed team followed by a second-level review.
- 3
Selected startups receive seed support under the DST NIDHI SSS scheme.
Want a second pair of eyes before you submit?IncorpX provides assistance for structuring proposals and organising the paperwork this process expects.
Documents checklist 4
- Incorporation and shareholding details
- Pitch deck and product/technology details
- DPIIT recognition certificate (preferred, if available)
- Patent / IP evidence (preferred, if applicable)
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 GUSEC, 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 GUSEC. Want a second pair of eyes before you submit? An IncorpX advisor can help you prepare.
Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
How much funding is available?
Startups can leverage investments of up to Rs. 50,00,000 (Rs. 50 lakh) per startup under GUSEC Seed. The instrument can be equity, debt, or a mix, decided case-by-case.
Do I need to be incubated at GUSEC to apply?
Non-incubated startups are welcome to apply , the same application is treated as a GUSEC Seed application and a GUSEC incubation application. However, the first tranche of funding is only released after the startup completes 3 months of exclusive incubation at GUSEC.
What entity type and ownership is required?
Registered Indian company (Private Limited or LLP) with at least 51% shareholding by Indian promoters. OCI and PIO holders count as Indian. Indian subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies are not eligible.
Is DPIIT recognition required?
DPIIT recognition is preferred but not strictly mandatory. The startup must fall under DPIIT's definition of a startup.
What sectors does GUSEC Seed prioritise?
GUSEC is targeting deep technology areas including AI, SpaceTech, IoT, ML, and defence-tech. Preference is given to technology-oriented, product, and IP-rich startups with traction or those raising larger rounds where GUSEC can co-invest.
When is the application deadline?
31 May 2026 is the last date to apply.
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.
Closing soon
View all FundingUp to Rs. 1 Cr
MVP / Prototype Biotech, Health & Pharma
ClosesJun 15, 2026
FundingSupport amount varies
MVP / Prototype
ClosesJun 15, 2026
Nebin Binoy 
