BCDD Grant by KSUM & BCDD Kerala

The BCDD Grant, a joint initiative by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and the Backward Classes Development Department (BCDD) of the Government of Kerala, provides equity-free financial support to graduates from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) who aim to launch and grow technology-driven startups. The program combines KSUM's startup ecosystem expertise with BCDD's focus on social upliftment to foster inclusive innovation in Kerala.

Startups can receive up to ₹10 lakhs in two phases: an Idea Grant of up to ₹3 lakhs for concept validation and market research, and a Productization Grant of up to ₹7 lakhs for prototype development, pilot projects, intellectual property protection, market entry, and early growth. This phased approach ensures efficient use of funds as the startup matures.

Besides funding, recipients gain access to KSUM's broader ecosystem of mentoring, networking, and monitoring. The grant is non-dilutive, meaning founders retain full ownership. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so eligible entrepreneurs can apply anytime.

• Equity-free grants up to ₹10 lakhs for OBC graduates aged 23-40 in Kerala.
• Phased funding: up to ₹3 lakhs Idea Grant + up to ₹7 lakhs Productization Grant.
• Integrated support through the KSUM ecosystem and milestone-based disbursal.
• No industry restriction; open to any innovative tech startup.

To apply, you must meet all these criteria:

• You must be an OBC graduate in any stream.
• Your age must be between 23 and 40 years.
• Your startup must be working on an innovative technology-based product or actively developing one.
• For the Productization Grant, at least 80% of the company’s shareholding must be held by OBC founder(s).
• Your startup must be incorporated as a Private Limited, LLP, or OPC, and must obtain a KSUM Unique ID before funds can be disbursed.
• Only one application per startup is allowed at a time; two grants cannot be held concurrently.

The program is open only to founders in Kerala, with no restriction on industry vertical.

BCDD Grant by KSUM & BCDD Kerala is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Kerala. Applicants should be registered as private limited and llp.

BCDD Grant by KSUM & BCDD Kerala accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

Selected startups receive up to ₹10 lakhs in phased, equity-free grant funding:

• Idea Grant (up to ₹3 lakhs): Supports concept validation, market research, and foundational work to refine your idea.
• Productization Grant (up to ₹7 lakhs): Covers prototype development, pilot projects, intellectual property filing, initial market entry, and early growth activities such as user acquisition or business development.

Beyond financial support, recipients are integrated into the KSUM ecosystem, gaining access to mentoring, networking, and monitoring that can help accelerate their startup’s journey.

BCDD Grant by KSUM & BCDD Kerala is offered by Kerala Startup Mission, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are reviewed through a structured process:

1. Initial Screening: KSUM officials assess the completeness, innovation, team background, and alignment with program objectives. Shortlisted applicants proceed to the next stage.
2. Pitch to Expert Committee: Shortlisted founders pitch their ideas to an Expert Committee comprising representatives from KSUM and BCDD, along with external industry experts. The pitch covers the business model, technology, market potential, and financial projections.
3. Evaluation: The committee evaluates proposals based on team strength, product innovation, market potential, marketing strategy, financial projections, and a detailed grant utilization plan.
4. Final Approval: The committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the CEO/Chairman of KSUM for final approval.
5. Fund Disbursal: Funds are released in milestone-based tranches. Each tranche is disbursed upon submission of pre-agreed deliverables, progress reports, and adherence to the grant agreement.

This process ensures accountability and that funding is aligned with demonstrated progress.

Before you apply to BCDD Grant by KSUM & BCDD Kerala, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

BCDD Grant by KSUM & BCDD Kerala is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.