DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) – PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center — Frequently Asked Questions

Startups can receive up to ₹1 Crore (₹100 Lakhs) in equity seed funding.

The average investment ticket size is approximately ₹25 Lakhs.

This program provides equity-based seed funding, not a grant. The incubator takes a stake in the startup in exchange for funding.

Indian-registered private limited companies that have been incubated at PDEU IIC for at least three months are eligible. Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding. Foreign companies and subsidiaries of MNCs are not eligible.

DPIIT registration is preferred but not strictly mandatory.

Yes, but preference is given to startups that have not received prior funding from Government of India or State Government bodies. However, startups that have already received NIDHI SSP funding from any other incubator are strictly not eligible.

Selected startups receive business mentoring, strategic guidance, and access to the PDEU IIC ecosystem, including networking and incubation support.

Funding is disbursed in tranches, contingent upon the startup achieving pre-defined milestones.

The program has a rolling deadline, meaning applications are accepted continuously.

Applications are submitted online via the official Google Forms link provided by PDEU IIC. Required documents typically include a pitch deck, business plan, financial projections, incorporation documents, and team résumés.

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) – PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center is offered by Pandit Deendayal Energy University, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.