NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs)

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is an initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, designed to provide early-stage startups with seed capital through empanelled incubators. AIC Banasthali Vidyapith in Rajasthan runs this fund exclusively for women-led startups, with a preference (but not limited to) science and technology ventures. The capital helps startups that have moved past the idea stage — it covers day-to-day operations, proof-of-concept studies, product development, prototyping, hiring, consultancy, mentoring, market research, IPR costs, gap funding before the next round, and validation studies for future fundraises.

Disbursement is done as equity or equity-linked instruments (so it is not grant funding). The typical investment is about ₹25 lakh, rising to ₹50 lakh for high-potential cases at the discretion of the Seed Support Management Committee. On funding, AIC Banasthali takes one board nominee director and/or observer seat. Because the pool is restricted to women founders, applicants compete in a narrower, more aligned cohort compared to open NIDHI-SSP programs at other incubators.

• Up to ₹50 lakh equity-linked seed support
• Backed by DST NIDHI-SSP (central government scheme)
• Exclusively for women-led startups
• Mandatory incubation at AIC Banasthali (min. 3 months residency before investment)
• Includes mentorship, IP support, and a board nominee director

Your startup must be a company registered in India — typically a private limited company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). It must have completed at least 3 months of physical incubation or residency at AIC Banasthali by the time of investment. Indian promoter shareholding must be at least 51%. For this specific fund, maximum shareholding must be held by women founders — making the venture women-led. Subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies are not eligible. However, OCI/PIO promoters are treated as Indian citizens for scheme purposes. There is no requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration.

NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs) is open to startups at the product and revenue stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as private limited and llp.

The most recent application window for NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs) closed on 20 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Equity-linked seed capital of ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh
• Access to AIC Banasthali's incubation ecosystem, including lab infrastructure, regulatory support, and IP support
• A board nominee director and/or observer from AIC Banasthali to bring governance discipline
• Mentorship throughout the incubation period
• Exposure to the DST-NIDHI alumni network of seed-funded startups

NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs) is offered by AIC Banasthali, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by AIC Banasthali as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are reviewed by AIC Banasthali's Seed Support Management Committee. The committee evaluates the innovation, founding team, traction so far, fund utilisation plan, and the startup's readiness to absorb equity-linked capital. Shortlisted teams pitch to the committee before the final investment decision and term sheet.

The formal processed steps are:

• Online Application: Submit the application form with required details.
• Eligibility Screening: AIC Banasthali checks incubation status, women shareholding, Indian promoter percentage.
• Pitch to Seed Support Management Committee: Present your startup and plan.
• Due Diligence and Term Sheet: If selected, detailed due diligence is conducted and a term sheet is issued.
• Tranched Disbursement: Funds are released in tranches as milestones are achieved.

Before you apply to NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs), keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• 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.

NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs) is best suited for product and revenue-stage startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹25L – ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.