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Government New Delhi, Delhi Est. 1971

Department of Science & Technology

Government of India's science and technology department since 1971, seeding startups through NIDHI and 150+ technology business incubators.

7 programs listed

About Department of Science & Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) sits within the Ministry of Science and Technology and was established in 1971. From New Delhi, it organises, coordinates, and promotes science and technology activity across the country, and over five decades it has helped build India's research infrastructure, funded breakthrough work, and more recently created the institutional scaffolding for technology-led entrepreneurship, with programmes that touch almost every part of the innovation landscape.

For startups, much of DST's influence flows through intermediary institutions rather than direct engagement. It created NIDHI, the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations, an umbrella that supports entrepreneurship from student innovation to growth-stage ventures, and through it funds Technology Business Incubators at universities and research institutions, effectively seeding the infrastructure startups depend on. Its wider portfolio includes Entrepreneur-in-Residence fellowships, Centres of Excellence, accelerator programmes, PRAYAS grants for prototypes, and SEED for startup capital, alongside the Technology Development Board for commercialising indigenous technology, the FIST and SAIF programmes for research infrastructure, and international cooperation that opens global research networks.

Researchers and technologists at Indian universities and institutions wanting to commercialise their work, technology business incubators building infrastructure, and early deep-tech startups in clean technology, biotechnology, advanced materials, and space technology all benefit. By funding over 150 incubators, many in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, DST has built much of the base on which India's deep-tech activity runs. It is online at dst.gov.in.

Who they work with

Stages
Idea MVP / Prototype Early Revenue Growth
Sectors
Deeptech & Robotics Climate, Energy & EV Biotech, Health & Pharma Agritech & Food Space, Drones & Defence

Programs by Department of Science & Technology 7

Closed Grant

India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme

by Department of Science & Technology

FundingUp to Rs. 1.5 Cr
Equity-free

This collaborative program is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for joint Indo-Swedish R&D projects focused on technological development and innovative solutions for the green transition in the steel and cement industries. It provides a non-dilutive grant. The grant provides up to 50% of the total project funding for Indian applicants, with a maximum limit of Rs. 1.5 crore per project. Indian companies can receive up to 50% of their eligible costs on a reimbursement basis, while R&D

ClosesClosed
Closed Grant

NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence

by Department of Science & Technology

FundingRs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000
Equity-free

A DST grant giving aspiring entrepreneurs a monthly stipend, mentoring, and co-working space to pursue a technology idea and lower the risk of starting up.

ClosesClosed
Closed Grant
FundingSupport amount varies
Equity-free Early Revenue

The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) aims to make India a global leader in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) by establishing strong linkages between academia, industry, Government, and international organizations. It supports the development of technology platforms, R&D, translational research, product development, incubating & supporting start-ups, and commercialization in areas like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics, Cyber Security, Data

ClosesClosed
Closed Grant

NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

by Department of Science & Technology

FundingUp to Rs. 1 Cr
Equity-free

NIDHI-Seed Support System is an initiative to provide financial assistance to potential startups with promising ideas, innovations, and technologies. The program aims to bridge the gap in financial support during the initial phase of technology-driven startups, supporting them for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.

ClosesClosed
Closed Grant

Ignition Grant under the NIDHI iTBI Scheme at AdtU

by Department of Science & Technology

FundingUp to Rs. 10 lakh
Equity-free

Applications are now open for the Ignition Grant under the NIDHI iTBI Scheme at Assam down town University, a golden opportunity to turn your Healthcare and ICT-based innovations (AI, IoT, Blockchain, Robotics, etc.) into reality. This is your opportunity to secure up to Rs. 10 lakh in funding, along with invaluable support, expert mentorship, and powerful networks that will help fast-track your journey. Why apply? 1. Funding support for Prototypes/MVPs 2. Access to R&D labs, co-working

ClosesClosed
Closed Grant
FundingUp to Rs. 10 lakh
Equity-free

NIDHI-PRAYAS aims to support young innovators in developing prototypes of their innovative ideas. It provides early-stage funding and access to resources at Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). The program emphasizes fostering indigenous innovations aligned with the "AtmaNirbhar Bharat Mission." Beneficiaries receive funding, infrastructure access, mentorship, and guidance to convert their ideas into commercially viable prototypes.

ClosesClosed
Closed Grant

India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025

by Department of Science & Technology

FundingUp to Rs. 1.5 Cr
Equity-free

The India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for joint projects between Indian and Canadian companies, research and development (R&D) organizations, and academic institutions. The program aims to support innovative, market-oriented R&D projects that lead to new products, processes, or services. It provides a non-dilutive grant of up to Rs. 1.5 crore or 50% of the Indian project cost (whichever is lower) for a maximum period of 24 months. The funding

ClosesClosed

Frequently asked questions

What funding programs does Department of Science & Technology run?

Department of Science & Technology currently has 7 programs listed in this directory, including India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme, NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence, National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.

Is Department of Science & Technology a government organisation?

Yes. Department of Science & Technology is listed under the government category. Its programs follow official government processes, and applications are submitted through official channels in your own name.

How do I evaluate whether a Department of Science & Technology program fits my startup?

Start with the stages and sectors shown on this profile, then open the program pages for eligibility conditions and document checklists. If you want a structured view, send an enquiry below and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit and readiness.

Do I apply to these programs through IncorpX?

No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of Department of Science & Technology and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.

Enquire about Department of Science & Technology

Tell us what you are building and which Department of Science & Technology program you are evaluating. An IncorpX advisor will help you assess fit and get application-ready.

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Your enquiry goes to the IncorpX advisory team, who will help you evaluate fit and prepare. We are independent of Department of Science & Technology and never contact organisations on your behalf.

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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