NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence

The NIDHI-Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program is an initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) designed to reduce the financial risk of early-stage entrepreneurship. It provides a monthly stipend to promising individuals so they can focus full-time on developing their technology business ideas. Participants get access to co-working spaces, hands-on mentorship from experienced professionals, and a supportive ecosystem through a network of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). The goal is to encourage more science and engineering graduates to pursue entrepreneurship by offering a safety net during the critical ideation phase.

Unlike many funding schemes that require a registered company, the NIDHI-EIR program supports founders before incorporation, helping them validate and refine their concepts. It is particularly aimed at those who have a strong technical background and a scalable business idea but lack the financial runway to quit their jobs and start a venture.

• Monthly stipend of ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 for up to 12 months
• Open to Indian citizens with a science/engineering degree or diploma plus 2 years of experience
• Full-time commitment required for a technology business idea
• No equity taken – 100% grant support
• Access to co-working space, mentorship, and TBI ecosystem
• Apply through any participating Technology Business Incubator (TBI)

To apply for the NIDHI-EIR program, you must:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Have completed at least 4 years of formal undergraduate/postgraduate education in science or engineering (for example, a B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. in a science or engineering field). OR hold a 3-year degree or diploma with 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Be committed to pursuing a technology business idea on a full-time basis during the EIR tenure.
• Demonstrate the ability to build a scalable technology business (e.g., through a prototype, market research, or prior entrepreneurial experience).
• Not be a promoter or significant shareholder in any other company at the time of application.
• Be registered at a participating Technology Business Incubator (TBI) that is part of the NIDHI network.

There is no restriction on the industry sector, stage of idea, or state. The program is open to individuals from all over India as long as they can work from the host TBI.

NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence 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.

Selected entrepreneurs receive:

• A monthly stipend of ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 for the duration of the residency (typically 6 to 12 months, depending on the TBI’s policy).
• Access to co-working space at the host TBI.
• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and TBI staff.
• Networking opportunities with investors, other founders, and the startup ecosystem.
• The stipend is a grant – no equity is taken, and it does not need to be repaid.

NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence is offered by Department of Science & Technology, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are processed by individual Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) that are part of the NIDHI network. The selection process typically includes:

1. Application submission through the TBI’s portal.
2. Shortlisting based on the applicant’s educational background, work experience, and the quality of their business idea.
3. Interview or pitch presentation before a selection committee comprising TBI mentors and industry experts.
4. Final selection and onboarding, after which the resident begins the program.

Each TBI sets its own schedule and deadlines, so interested candidates should contact the TBI directly for specific dates.

Before you apply to NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence, 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.

NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10,000 – ₹30,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.