Startup grants & funding schemes in India

This directory tracks 593+ active programs: central government schemes such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (up to Rs. 20 lakh grant plus Rs. 50 lakh via convertible debentures), NIDHI PRAYAS (up to Rs. 10 lakh for prototypes) and BIRAC BIG (up to Rs. 50 lakh for biotech), along with state programs, accelerators and private funding programs. Use the filters to narrow by sector, stage, state and deadline.

Most government grants are equity-free: the government does not take shares in your company. Some programs combine a grant with debt or convertible instruments for later stages, and accelerator or VC programs listed here may involve equity. Every listing states its funding type and equity impact clearly.

Not for all of them. Central schemes such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme require DPIIT recognition, while many state programs, competitions and private programs do not. Use the DPIIT filter to see which is which. IncorpX provides assistance for DPIIT recognition applications if you need it.

Timelines vary by program. Incubator-routed schemes such as SISFS typically take around 2 months from application to decision, while national calls such as BIRAC BIG can take 3 to 4 months including technical review. Each listing shows the expected decision timeline where the program publishes one.

IncorpX provides assistance for grant application preparation: structuring your proposal, organising documents and completing prerequisite registrations such as DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or company incorporation. Applications are always submitted in your name with the respective program authority, and selection decisions rest entirely with that authority.

Our team reviews listings against official program pages and updates amounts, deadlines and statuses as new calls are announced. Every figure shown here is informational; the program authority remains the authoritative source.

A grant is non-repayable money awarded for a defined purpose, such as building a prototype. A subsidy reduces a cost you already incur, such as interest or patent fees. Seed funding from investors is capital in exchange for equity. This directory labels every program by type so you can compare them on the same page.