DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation
3-month acceleration program for HealthTech startups at TRL 9+, offering up to ₹10L in grants, mentorship, and market access.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- DERBI Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (23 Dec 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support program, run by the DERBI Foundation, is a 3-month acceleration initiative aimed at HealthTech startups with market-ready products (TRL 9). It provides grants, mentoring, and market connections to help startups scale. Focus areas include Digital Health, Telemedicine, Point-of-Care Diagnostics, Medtech, Homecare, and Remote Monitoring/Wearables.
The program is structured as a hybrid accelerator with a kickoff in January 2026 and a Demo Day in March 2026. Startups receive up to ₹10 lakh in deployment grants, one-on-one mentoring from industry experts, strategic Go-to-Market and pricing support, regulatory validation, and connections to customers and investors. It targets founders who already have a minimum viable product and are registered under the Startup India definition.
Highlights
- Grant funding up to ₹10 Lakh (no equity taken).
- 3-month hybrid acceleration program for HealthTech startups.
- Targets TRL 9 (market-ready) products.
- Demo Day at end of March 2026, program kickoff in January 2026.
- Includes strategic GTM and pricing support plus regulatory validation.
Who can apply
To apply, your startup must be registered as per the Startup India definition. It must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 or above, meaning your product is market-ready. You should already have an MVP ready. The program is specifically looking for startups in the HealthTech sector, covering areas like Digital Health, EMR, Telemedicine, Point-of-Care Diagnostics, Medtech, Medical Devices, Homecare Solutions, and Remote Monitoring/Wearables.
DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation 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 Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation closed on 23 Dec 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Grant Funding: Up to ₹10 Lakh in deployment grants (no equity taken as it is a grant program).
- Customer and Investor Connects: Strategic introductions to potential customers and investors.
- One-on-One Mentoring: Dedicated guidance from industry experts.
- Strategy Development: Assistance with Go-to-Market (GTM) & Pricing Strategy.
- Regulatory Validation: Support with critical regulatory validation and pivoting.
- Prototyping Support: Help with building and refining your prototype.
About the provider
DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation is offered by DERBI Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by DERBI Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are reviewed to select startups with market-ready products. The selection process focuses on startups that are at TRL 9, registered under Startup India, and have an MVP. Shortlisted startups are then invited to participate in the 3-month hybrid acceleration program. There is no detailed stage breakdown beyond application and selection.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI 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.
Who this is best for
DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The program offers deployment grants up to ₹10 Lakhs.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is December 23, 2025.
Who is eligible?
The startup must be registered under the Startup India definition, must be in the HealthTech sector, and must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 or above with an MVP already ready.
Is this a grant or equity?
This is a grant program. No equity is taken from the startup.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
The eligibility criteria require the startup to be registered under the Startup India definition, which typically involves DPIIT recognition. MSME registration is not explicitly required.
What documents are needed for the application?
The facts do not specify the list of documents. Typically you can expect company registration proof, pitch deck, team details, and a product demo.
How do I apply?
You can apply through the Google Form link provided on the Startup Fund Directory page.
What is the program timeline?
The program begins in January 2026 and concludes with Demo Day at the end of March 2026. It runs for 3 months.
Who offers DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation?
DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation is offered by DERBI Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from DERBI Foundation
DERBI Foundation runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation
Not sure DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support at DERBI Foundation is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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