EngSUI Seed Fund

The EngSUI Seed Fund is a flagship initiative under the EngSUI program, a strategic partnership between Engineers India Limited (EIL) – a leading Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas – and SIIC IIT Kanpur, a premier technology incubator. The program aims to fuel innovation in energy and infrastructure while promoting the 'Startup India' vision. It provides a complete accelerator platform to help startups cross the critical 'valley of death' from prototype to market-ready product.

Targeting DPIIT-recognised technology startups in the revenue stage, the fund offers up to ₹1 crore or 100% of project cost (whichever is lower) in equity funding. Beyond capital, startups receive support for IP filing, technology transfer, business model validation, product refinement, and preparation for larger investment rounds. Selected firms also gain access to SIIC's state-of-the-art incubation labs, industry mentorship, and structured scaling pathways.

The ultimate goal is to produce robust, scalable companies that can lead market disruption across sectors, creating a strong pipeline of commercially successful Indian tech ventures.

• Equity funding – takes a stake in the startup
• Maximum ₹1 crore per proposal or 100% project cost (whichever is lower)
• Available for DPIIT-recognised, revenue-stage technology startups across India
• Covers IP protection (patents, design, trademarks) and technology transfer
• Offers full incubation support at SIIC IIT Kanpur state-of-the-art facility
• Open to private limited, LLP, and partnership entities

To apply, your entity must have DPIIT recognition as a Startup (incorporated in India for less than 10 years, turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation, and working on innovation or a scalable business model). The startup should be in the revenue stage and use technology for innovation. While not explicitly mandated, a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL 5+) and a clear commercial path are expected. Eligible entity types include Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), and Partnership Firm. The program is open to startups from all Indian states and sectors.

EngSUI Seed Fund is open to startups at the revenue stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership. Applicants must hold DPIIT (Startup India) recognition.

EngSUI Seed Fund accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

• Cash Support: Up to ₹1 crore per proposal (or 100% of project cost, whichever is less) as equity funding for scaling technology innovations.
• IP & Legal Coverage: Costs for patenting, design registration, and trademark protection are covered.
• Technology Transfer: Assistance in moving your solution from lab to commercial application.
• Business Development: Support for refining the business model, incorporating market feedback into product improvements, and preparing for lead investor rounds.
• Incubation Access: Use of SIIC IIT Kanpur's facilities, strategic guidance from industry experts, academic mentoring, and operational support to accelerate commercialisation.

EngSUI Seed Fund is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SIIC IIT Kanpur as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process begins with an online application on the SIIC IIT Kanpur incubation portal. Applicants submit details including DPIIT status, team background, technology description, market opportunity, financials, and a comprehensive spending plan. A pitch deck and a detailed project proposal are essential.

Submitted applications go through an initial screening by the SIIC team. Shortlisted candidates then face interviews and presentations to a selection committee comprising experts from SIIC, Engineers India Limited, and relevant industry fields. They evaluate innovation depth, technology feasibility, market fit, team capability, and likely impact.

Due diligence checks – including verification of DPIIT recognition and provided documents – follow. Final selection weighs research alignment with program goals, technology maturity (TRL), business scalability, and execution potential. Successful groups sign a funding agreement and enter the incubation program with financial disbursement tied to milestones.

Before you apply to EngSUI Seed Fund, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• DPIIT (Startup India) recognition certificate — mandatory for this program
• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

EngSUI Seed Fund is best suited for revenue-stage startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹1Cr. Because DPIIT recognition is mandatory, it is aimed at startups already registered under Startup India. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.