DST NIDHI Seed Support Program – ACIC VGU Foundation

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) is a flagship initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) that provides early-stage financial assistance to technology-driven startups. Through this program, promising startups receive structured seed capital to turn validated prototypes into commercially viable products and scalable businesses.

The primary goal is to bridge the gap between laboratory research, prototype development, and market commercialization. Many tech startups struggle during the transition from proof-of-concept to market-ready product due to lack of capital and guidance. The NIDHI SSP addresses this by offering financial support combined with incubation, mentoring, and ecosystem access.

Under this program, selected startups can receive up to ₹50 lakhs. The funding is provided through equity or equity-linked instruments such as Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) and is disbursed in milestone-based tranches aligned with the startup's development progress. The capital can be used for prototype improvement, MVP development, testing, customer validation, commercialization strategies, and go-to-market execution. A limited portion may also be used for operational needs like branding, legal support, intellectual property protection, and mentorship.

Beyond capital, startups gain access to ACIC VGU Foundation's ecosystem, including domain mentorship, expert advisory networks, startup community engagement, investor connections, and strategic guidance. The incubation environment helps refine business models, strengthen market strategies, and prepare for follow-on funding from venture capital and angel investors.

• Seed funding up to ₹50L via DST’s flagship NIDHI program
• Equity / CCPS funding with milestone-based disbursal
• Requires incubation at ACIC VGU Foundation for ≥3 months
• Minimum TRL 7 (working prototype / MVP)
• At least 51% Indian promoter equity required
• Application deadline: 2026-05-20

To apply, your startup must be legally registered in India and preferably DPIIT-recognized (or willing to apply). You must be incubated with ACIC VGU Foundation for at least 3 months (physical or virtual incubation). Your startup must have a working prototype or MVP with a clearly defined innovative or technology-driven solution, and meet a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7. At least 51% equity ownership must be held by Indian promoters, and the startup should not be a subsidiary of an MNC or foreign company. Preference is given to startups that have not previously received seed funding under other Central or State Government schemes. Additionally, you must demonstrate strong market potential, customer validation, and scalability.

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.

Selected startups receive seed funding of up to ₹50 lakhs, provided as equity or CCPS in milestone-based tranches. The funds can be used for prototype improvement, MVP development, product testing, customer validation, commercialization planning, and go-to-market activities. Limited amounts can also cover operational needs such as branding, legal support, intellectual property protection, and mentorship services. Beyond capital, benefits include structured incubation, domain mentorship, access to expert networks, investor connections, strategic guidance, and integration into the wider innovation ecosystem to prepare for follow-on funding.

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.

Startups should apply through the official portal. Those meeting eligibility criteria will be evaluated based on innovation, TRL, market potential, and scalability. Shortlisted startups will present their plan to a selection committee for final approval. Funding is released in milestone-linked tranches upon achieving agreed targets.

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.