ASIIM Program
The ASIIM Program, run by IIT Mandi Catalyst, provides incubation and funding support for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Divyang innovators in India.
- Funding amount
- ₹30.0L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIT Mandi Catalyst (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (23 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is a dedicated incubation and funding initiative implemented by IIT Mandi Catalyst. Its primary objective is to cultivate inclusive entrepreneurship, specifically targeting innovators from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Divyang communities.
This program was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), Government of India, operating under the umbrella of the IFCI Venture Capital Fund for SCs (VCF-SC). ASIIM is designed to support early-stage, technology-driven, and socially impactful business ideas, guiding innovators through the process of transforming their concepts into viable commercial enterprises.
Selected participants receive structured incubation support, which includes expert mentorship, crucial networking opportunities, and assistance with fundraising. The program also offers equity-based financial support, providing up to ₹30 lakhs to help these ventures grow. The overarching goal of ASIIM is to empower underrepresented communities and stimulate innovation-led social and economic development across the nation.
Highlights
- Incubation and funding program by IIT Mandi Catalyst.
- Supports Scheduled Caste (SC) and Divyang innovators.
- Offers equity-based financial support up to ₹30 lakhs.
- Focuses on early-stage, technology-driven, socially impactful ideas.
- Provides mentorship, networking, and fundraising assistance.
- Application deadline is January 23, 2026.
Who can apply
To be eligible for the ASIIM Program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Applicants are required to belong to either the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Divyang category.
- The startup or the underlying idea should be in an early phase, specifically at the ideation, prototyping, or pre-revenue stage.
- Innovators whose ideas aim to solve societal problems are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Participants or winners of hackathons, such as the Smart India Hackathon, are eligible.
- Startups that have previously received Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from companies can also apply.
- Students or young individuals possessing innovative and creative ideas are welcome to submit their applications.
ASIIM Program is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for ASIIM Program closed on 23 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The ASIIM Program offers significant support to selected innovators:
- Financial backing is provided in the form of equity-based financial support, with funding available up to ₹30 lakhs.
- Beyond monetary assistance, participants benefit from comprehensive structured incubation support.
- This includes access to valuable mentorship from experienced professionals and industry experts.
- Innovators gain crucial networking opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and potential investors.
- The program also provides dedicated fundraising assistance to help startups secure additional capital and scale their ventures.
About the provider
ASIIM Program is offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIT Mandi Catalyst as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ASIIM Program, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
ASIIM Program is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹30.0L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) Program?
The ASIIM Program is an incubation and funding initiative implemented by IIT Mandi Catalyst. It was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to promote inclusive entrepreneurship among innovators from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Divyang communities by supporting technology-driven and socially impactful business ideas.
Who is eligible to apply for the ASIIM Program?
The program is specifically for applicants belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Divyang categories. Eligible ideas should be at the ideation, prototyping, or pre-revenue stage, focusing on solving societal problems. This also includes hackathon winners, startups with CSR support, and students or youth with innovative ideas.
What kind of financial support does the ASIIM Program offer?
The ASIIM Program provides equity-based financial support, offering up to ₹30 lakhs to selected innovators to help them develop their ideas into sustainable commercial ventures.
Does the ASIIM Program take equity from the startups?
Yes, the program provides equity-based financial support, meaning it takes a stake in the selected ventures as part of its funding model.
What non-financial benefits do participants receive?
Beyond funding, participants receive comprehensive structured incubation support. This includes expert mentorship, valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, and dedicated assistance with fundraising to help secure additional capital.
What is the application deadline for the ASIIM Program?
The current application deadline for the ASIIM Program is January 23, 2026.
Are there any specific industry or stage requirements for applicants?
The program targets technology-driven and socially impactful business ideas at early stages, specifically ideation, prototyping, or pre-revenue. While no specific industries are listed, the focus is on ideas that solve societal problems.
How can I apply for the ASIIM Program?
You can apply for the ASIIM Program through the official application form provided by IIT Mandi Catalyst. The application portal can be accessed via the link: https://forms.zohopublic.in/documents1/form/IITMandiCatalystApplicationForm/formperma/ia9DNjSmH4gFdnNur2-1yw3vApYYze-vtdMR9JY8dcA
How much funding does ASIIM Program provide?
ASIIM Program provides ₹30.0L (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for ASIIM Program?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for ASIIM Program, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers ASIIM Program?
ASIIM Program is offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from IIT Mandi Catalyst
IIT Mandi Catalyst runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to ASIIM Program
Not sure ASIIM Program is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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