EngSUI Seed Fund

The EngSUI Seed Fund, offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, is designed to empower Indian startups. It provides equity-free, milestone-based funding of up to ₹1 Crore.

This program specifically targets DPIIT-recognized Indian startups that are developing technology-based innovations. The fund aims to support ventures at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 5 and 9, which means their technology has been demonstrated and is ready for further growth and scaling. The primary goal is to foster market readiness and commercial viability for these innovative solutions.

• Receive up to ₹1 Crore in equity-free seed funding.
• Exclusively for DPIIT-recognized Indian startups.
• Supports technology-based innovations at TRL 5-9.
• Aims to assist startups in their growth and scaling stages.
• Application process is rolling and always open.
• Managed by SIIC IIT Kanpur.

The EngSUI Seed Fund is open to DPIIT-recognized Indian startups.

Applicants must be legally incorporated as a private limited company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or partnership firm. The startup's core innovation should be technology-based and have reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 5 and 9. Additionally, eligible ventures should be in a growth or scaling stage of their business development.

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.

Recipients of the EngSUI Seed Fund can secure up to ₹1 Crore in equity-free, milestone-based seed funding.

This financial support is specifically allocated to facilitate the scaling of technology-based innovations. Funds can be strategically utilized for critical activities such as patenting, design registration, trademark registry, and technology transfer aimed at developing a marketable product or process. The support also extends to cover expenses necessary for achieving commercial viability and market readiness.

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

The selection process for the EngSUI Seed Fund commences with an online application submitted through the SIIC IIT Kanpur portal.

Following the submission, applications undergo an initial screening phase. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to participate in interviews and presentations before a dedicated selection committee, which comprises experienced experts.

A thorough due diligence process is conducted on promising candidates. The final selection is determined by evaluating several key factors, including the alignment of the proposal with the fund's objectives, the inherent strength of the underlying technology, the potential for scalability, and the capabilities of the founding team.

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 non-dilutive funding 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.