NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP)
IIM Lucknow EIC's NIDHI-SSP offers up to ₹25 lakh in equity funding for DPIIT-registered DeepTech startups incubated or willing to incubate at IIML EIC. Citizens with 51% equity for early-stage.
- Funding amount
- ₹25L (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (12 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI–SSP) at IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre is an equity-based seed funding initiative functioning under the Department of Science and Technology's National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations. The program's mandate is to identify and accelerate promising DeepTech startups by injecting early-stage capital, structured incubation, and robust ecosystem support.
Selected startups can receive an equity investment of up to ₹25 lakh. This capital helps them validate technology, strengthen product development, and prepare for market entry and scaling. Beyond funding, startups gain access to IIML EIC's full incubation ecosystem, which includes curated startup toolkits, legal, IPR, and financial support, as well as advanced infrastructure such as supercomputing facilities, IoT and 3D printing labs. They also receive structured mentorship, networking, and corporate engagement opportunities.
The program fosters innovation-driven enterprises with strong technology differentiation and long-term scalability, helping them transition from early development to sustainable, growth-ready ventures.
Highlights
- Offers up to ₹25 lakh in equity-based seed funding under the DST’s NIDHI initiative.
- Open exclusively to DPIIT-registered DeepTech startups incubated or willing to incubate at IIM Lucknow EIC.
- Founders must be Indian citizens with a combined equity stake of at least 51%.
- Recipients get access to supercomputing, IoT, and 3D printing labs, plus legal/IPR support.
- Structured mentorship and corporate engagement facilitate market readiness and scaling.
Who can apply
- Applicants must be DPIIT-registered startups operating in the DeepTech domain.
- The startup must be currently incubated at IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre or must be willing to get incubated at IIML EIC upon selection.
- All founders must be Indian citizens and collectively hold a minimum 51% equity in the startup.
- The startup must demonstrate strong technology innovation potential and alignment with the objectives of the DST–NIDHI Seed Support framework.
NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) closed on 12 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Equity investment up to ₹25 lakh to help validate technology, develop products, and scale.
- Access to IIML EIC’s incubation ecosystem, including startup toolkits.
- Legal, IPR, and financial support for intellectual property protection and business structuring.
- Use of advanced infrastructure such as supercomputing facilities, IoT labs, and 3D printing labs.
- Structured mentorship, networking, and corporate engagement to boost market entry and growth.
About the provider
NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is offered by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP), 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.
Who this is best for
NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the NIDHI SSP provide?
Selected startups receive up to ₹25 lakh in equity seed funding, paid in an agreed structure against equity.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is listed as 2026-02-12.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible startups must be registered with DPIIT, operating in the DeepTech sector, and either currently incubated at IIM Lucknow EIC or willing to incubate there upon selection. Founders must be Indian citizens holding at least 51% equity collectively.
Does DPIIT registration need to be completed before applying?
Yes, the eligibility criteria clearly require applicants to be DPIIT-registered startups at the time of application.
Does the program take equity?
Yes, funding is provided as a equity investment depending on valuation and investment amount. It is not a loan like standard debt.
What does the program offer besides capital?
Beyond money, IIML EIC provides access to cutting-edge labs (supercomputing, IoT, 3D printing), legal, IPR and financial advisory, custom toolkits, and mentorship-backed networking with corporates and experts.
Is prior incubation at IIML EIC mandatory to apply?
Alternative: the startup can be already incubated or IML EIC otherwise committed to incubation.
Who offers NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP)?
NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is offered by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.
How do I apply for NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP)?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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