DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE
DST-backed seed grant up to ₹1Cr for early-stage startups incubated at IIMK LIVE in Kozhikode. Milestone-based disbursement.
- Funding amount
- ₹1Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIMK LIVE (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The DST-NIDHI Seed Support Scheme at IIMK LIVE is a startup seed funding program established under the NIDHI-Seed Support System (SSS) framework by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Hosted by IIMK LIVE, the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) of the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, this scheme provides early-stage startups with critical financial support to bridge the gap between product development and commercialisation.
The program focuses on nurturing innovative technologies, products, and services that have the potential for economic and social impact. Financial assistance is disbursed in tranches based on the achievement of predefined milestones. Startups can receive funding in the form of equity, debt, or a combination of both, offering flexibility in structuring the support.
Beyond capital, the fund provides mentorship and access to the robust entrepreneurial ecosystem at IIM Kozhikode. The goal is to help startups scale their ideas into market-ready ventures while fostering innovation in India.
Highlights
- Maximum funding of ₹1 crore under DST's NIDHI Seed Support System
- Open only to startups incubated at IIMK LIVE with at least three months of residency
- Milestone-based disbursement with flexibility to structure as equity, debt, or convertibles
- Includes mentorship and access to IIM Kozhikode's startup ecosystem
- OCI and PIO founders are considered Indian citizens for eligibility
- Not available to foreign subsidiaries or startups already funded by NIDHI-SSS
Who can apply
To be eligible, a startup must be incubated at IIMK LIVE (or commit to being incubated as per its incubation policy) and have completed a minimum residency of three months at IIMK LIVE. The startup must be a registered company in India with Indian promoters holding at least 51% shareholding. OCI and PIO founders are treated as Indian citizens for this scheme. The following are not eligible: Indian subsidiaries of foreign or multinational companies, and startups that have already received support under NIDHI-SSS.
DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE 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 DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE closed on 25 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Financial support up to ₹1 crore is available, distributed in milestone-based tranches. The funding can be structured as equity, debt, or a combination of both. Startups also gain mentorship and access to IIM Kozhikode's entrepreneurial ecosystem to aid commercialisation and scaling.
About the provider
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE, 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
DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The scheme provides up to ₹1 crore per startup, disbursed in milestone-based tranches.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is 25 February 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible startups must be incubated at IIMK LIVE and have completed at least three months of residency there. They must be registered in India with Indian promoters holding at least 51% shareholding. OCI and PIO founders are treated as Indian citizens for this scheme.
Does the program take equity?
The funding can be structured as equity, debt, or a combination, as decided by the program.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
No such requirement has been explicitly listed in the eligibility criteria.
Can a subsidiary of a foreign company apply?
No, Indian subsidiaries of foreign or multinational companies are not eligible.
Can I apply if my startup was already funded by NIDHI-SSS?
No, startups that have already received support under NIDHI-SSS are not eligible again.
What is the funding used for?
The funds are intended to support early-stage startups in scaling their innovative technologies, products, or services from development to commercialisation.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted online via the IIMK LIVE website at the provided URL: https://www.iimklive.org/livesss
Is there any mentorship included?
Yes, along with financial support, startups receive mentorship and access to the IIM Kozhikode entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who offers DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE?
DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE is offered by IIMK LIVE, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from IIMK LIVE
IIMK LIVE runs 3 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE
Not sure DST–NIDHI Seed Support Scheme (SSS) at IIMK LIVE is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.