DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI SSP) at IKP EDEN — Up to ₹1Cr — Frequently Asked Questions

Selected startups can receive grant support of up to ₹1 crore. The figure is not the same for everyone — the amount is decided after assessment and then released in milestones, so a company draws down funds as it meets the targets agreed with the programme.

The call is open to registered Indian companies and startups in which Indian ownership is at least 51%. Your venture needs to be building a technology-led product or solution with real commercialisation and scale-up potential, and it should already be past the idea stage — a proof of concept, prototype or MVP should exist. You also need a clearly defined problem, an identified target customer or market, and a stated route to commercialisation.

No. DPIIT recognition is preferred because it strengthens an application, but it is not a mandatory eligibility condition. Startups without it can still apply.

No. NIDHI SSP support is grant funding rather than an equity investment, so the programme does not take a stake in your venture in return for the money.

Technology startups from a wide range of sectors are considered. Agritech, AI, Biotech, Clean Tech, Deeptech, Healthcare, Medtech, Robotics and Space & Defense are among the areas the programme covers, along with other technology-led domains.

Quite a lot. Selected startups are incubated within the IKP EDEN ecosystem at IKP Knowledge Park, Bengaluru, where they can draw on mentorship from industry leaders and domain experts, the park's technical infrastructure, its labs and prototyping facilities, plus industry connections, investor networking and market access support.

IKP EDEN screens applications first. Startups that clear screening are invited for a more detailed round that may involve presentations, in-depth discussions with experts and due diligence. The final funding decision is taken by the designated Investment Committee, following the NIDHI-SSP guidelines.

Applications for this call close on 15 August 2026. You apply online through the programme's Athena application page at https://app.athena.page/public/program/nidhi_seed_support_program.

No. Startups that have previously received seed support under the NIDHI Seed Support Program are not eligible for this call.

Set out your technology-led product clearly, the problem it addresses, your target market and your commercialisation strategy. It also helps to show the strength and commitment of your team, evidence that the technology is feasible, and any early validation you have gathered. If you are shortlisted, you will be expected to comply with IKP EDEN's incubation and NIDHI-SSP requirements.

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI SSP) at IKP EDEN — Up to ₹1Cr is offered by IKP Knowledge Park (Bengaluru), a startup incubator. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.