SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups

• iDEX-supported defence startups and MSMEs
• DPIIT-recognised startups seeking growth capital
• Defence technology innovators and manufacturers
• Startups working on import substitution and indigenous defence solutions
• Companies requiring funding for testing, validation, and commercialization
• Startups willing to incubate at SIIC IIT Kanpur

About this scheme

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk), invites applications for the SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India (MSMEs) and startups in the defence and related sectors. This initiative is hosted under FIRST (Programme/SPiDeR) in collaboration with iDEX and aims to promote innovation-led growth in domestic defence manufacturing, import substitution, and export potential.

Program Offerings
Startups and MSMEs selected under this program may receive seed funding support in the form of equity or equity-like instruments, ranging from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 150 lakhs.

Supported activities may include:

Testing, trials, and prototype validation
Product design and development
Technology transfers and pilot-scale manufacturing
Field and market trials
Product launch and scale-up

Other components deemed eligible by the Investment Committee

Focus Sector

Startups and MSMEs referred and supported by iDEX under various challenges, specifically in the defence and allied sectors, are encouraged to apply.

Contact: Ashish Sharma
Email: [ashish.sharma@iitkfirst.com](mailto:ashish.sharma@iitkfirst.com)

Who can apply

• Applicant must be incubated/ willing to incubate at SIIC IIT Kanpur.
• Applicant must be an Indian private limited company.
• Must be a winner of an iDEX challenge and referred by iDEX for support to FIRST.
• Must have received iDEX grant support.
• Must be DPIIT-registered or recognized as a startup.
• For complete eligibility details, please refer to the program guidelines or contact us directly.

Benefits & funding

• Funding support ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1.5 crore
• Equity or equity-like investment for eligible startups and MSMEs
• Support for prototype development and validation
• Funding for testing, field trials, and product commercialization
• Assistance with pilot-scale manufacturing and technology transfer
• Access to SIIC IIT Kanpur's startup ecosystem and mentorship network
• Support for market entry and product scale-up
• Encourages indigenous defence innovation and import substitution
• Enables startups to accelerate growth and fundraising readiness
• Access to industry and government stakeholder networks

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Review the program eligibility criteria

2. 2

   Prepare the required startup and funding documents

3. 3

   Complete the application form before the deadline

4. 4

   Submit proof of iDEX challenge winner status and iDEX support

5. 5

   Participate in the screening and evaluation process

6. 6

   Attend discussions or presentations if requested

7. 7

   Complete due diligence and incubation formalities

8. 8

   Receive funding approval and onboarding support

Documents checklist 13

• Certificate of Incorporation
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate
• Proof of iDEX Challenge Winner Status
• Proof of iDEX Grant Support
• Startup Pitch Deck
• Business Plan or Executive Summary
• Founders' Profiles and Resumes
• Financial Statements and Projections
• Cap Table / Shareholding Pattern
• PAN and GST Registration Details
• Bank Account Information
• Product, Prototype, or Technology Documentation
• Intellectual Property Documents (if applicable)

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

Frequently asked questions