Mumbai: The NIDHI SEED Support Program, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and administered by Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), is inviting final applications from eligible startups.
The application window closes on July 10, 2025, providing entrepreneurs only a few more days to apply for this transformational seed funding opportunity.
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The NIDHI SEED Support Program (NIDHI-SSS) offers financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakhs to deserving startups incubated at SINE.
The fund can be used for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization – designed to take innovative ventures to the next level and strengthen their market readiness.
Key Objectives of the NIDHI SEED Support Program:
- Enable startups to scale through timely access to seed capital
- Promote sustainability and long-term operational capacity of incubators
- Expand the pipeline of high-potential early-stage ventures across India
Eligibility Criteria:
- Registered private limited company with 51% Indian ownership
- DPIIT-recognized startup
- Original venture (not formed through reconstruction of an existing business)
- Has not availed NIDHI seed support from any other DST-backed incubator
- Demonstrates a clear USP and customer validation
Eligible Use of Funds:
- Product development (equipment, prototyping, testing)
- Hiring essential manpower
- Market testing and promotions
- Legal, accounting, IP, regulatory and certification services
- Mentoring and business consultancy
- Business operations (with proper justification)
- Overruns (up to 10% of total support)
Selection Process:
- Stage 1: Internal evaluation by experts
- Stage 2: Final presentation before the Investment Committee (IC)
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Criteria include:
- Innovation & technology
- Founding team’s execution capability
- IP strength & market potential
- Business scalability & risk profile
- Milestones and revenue visibility
Seed Funding Terms:
- Funding disbursed in tranches linked to defined milestones
- Mode: Equity or Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS/OCPS)
- Required to physically or virtually incubate at SINE
- Board representation by SINE/funding agency
- Mandatory submission of progress reports and financial statements
Startups seeking to commercialize innovation and build scalable ventures are strongly encouraged to apply for NIDHI SEED support program before the July 10, 2025 deadline.
