DST NIDHI Seed Support Program – ACIC VGU Foundation

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) is a key initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) aimed at providing crucial early-stage financial backing to technology-focused startups. This program, delivered through the ACIC VGU Foundation, offers structured seed capital to help promising ventures transition their validated prototypes into commercially viable products and establish scalable businesses.

A primary goal of the NIDHI SSP is to bridge the critical gap between initial laboratory research, successful prototype development, and eventual market commercialization. Many technology startups face significant challenges during this early phase, struggling to move from a proof-of-concept to a market-ready product due to a lack of both capital and strategic guidance. The program directly addresses these hurdles by providing financial support alongside comprehensive incubation services, expert mentorship, and access to a robust innovation ecosystem. This integrated approach helps startups accelerate their product development cycles and achieve early market traction effectively.

Under this program, selected startups can receive funding support of up to ₹50 lakhs. This capital is structured through equity or equity-linked instruments, such as Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS), and is disbursed in milestone-based tranches. These disbursements are carefully aligned with the startup's development progress and key achievements. The funds can be strategically utilized for various essential activities, including prototype refinement, Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development, rigorous product testing, customer validation initiatives, the formulation of commercialization strategies, and effective go-to-market execution. A portion of the funding may also be allocated for operational necessities such as branding, legal assistance, intellectual property protection, and specialized mentorship services.

Beyond the financial investment, startups chosen for the NIDHI Seed Support Program gain invaluable access to the extensive innovation ecosystem fostered by the ACIC VGU Foundation. This encompasses access to specialized domain mentorship, a network of expert advisors, opportunities for engagement with the broader startup community, connections to potential investors, and strategic guidance focused on growth. The immersive incubation environment is designed to empower founders to refine their business models, strengthen their market strategies, and prepare effectively for subsequent funding rounds from venture capital firms, angel investors, and other institutional investors.

• Seed funding up to ₹50 lakhs.
• Targets technology-driven startups with TRL 7+.
• Requires incubation at ACIC VGU Foundation for at least 3 months.
• Funding provided via equity or equity-linked instruments (e.g., CCPS).
• Supports the journey from prototype development to market commercialization.
• Includes mentorship, expert networks, and investor connections.

To be considered for the DST NIDHI Seed Support Program through ACIC VGU Foundation, startups must meet several specific criteria:

• The startup must be legally registered in India.
• It is preferred that the startup is recognized by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) or is actively willing to apply for this recognition.
• Applicants must have been incubated with ACIC VGU Foundation for a minimum period of three months, which can be either physical or virtual incubation.
• The startup needs to possess a working prototype or a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that clearly demonstrates an innovative or technology-driven solution.
• A minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 is a mandatory requirement.
• At least 51% of the equity ownership in the startup must be held by Indian promoters.
• The startup should not operate as a subsidiary of a multinational corporation (MNC) or any foreign company.
• Preference will be given to startups that have not previously secured seed funding under other Central or State Government schemes.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong market potential, evidence of customer validation, and clear scalability prospects for their solution.

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program – ACIC VGU Foundation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for DST NIDHI Seed Support Program – ACIC VGU Foundation closed on 20 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the DST NIDHI Seed Support Program through ACIC VGU Foundation gain substantial benefits designed to accelerate their growth:

• Seed funding of up to ₹50 lakhs is provided. This funding is structured through equity or equity-linked instruments such as Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) and is disbursed in milestone-based tranches, aligning with the startup's development progress.
• The capital can be utilized for critical development activities including prototype improvement, Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development, product testing, customer validation, commercialization strategies, and go-to-market execution.
• A portion of the funding is also available for essential operational needs, covering areas such as branding, legal support, and intellectual property protection.
• Beyond financial support, startups receive comprehensive incubation services.
• Access to specialized domain mentorship and a network of expert advisors is provided.
• Startups benefit from investor connections and strategic guidance aimed at fostering growth.
• The program offers broad ecosystem access, helping startups prepare effectively for subsequent rounds of follow-on funding from various investors.

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program – ACIC VGU Foundation is offered by ACIC VGU Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by ACIC VGU Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to DST NIDHI Seed Support Program – ACIC VGU Foundation, 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.

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program – ACIC VGU Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.