NIDHI Seed Support Program at VJTI TBI Foundation

The NIDHI Seed Support Program at VJTI TBI Foundation is a grant-based funding opportunity for startups that have been incubated or pre-incubated at the VJTI Technology Business Incubator. Backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the program provides seed funding to help innovative tech ventures move from early development to a stage where they can attract angel or venture capital investment.

The focus is on technology-driven startups working in Energy, IoT, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicles, Semiconductors, and AI/ML. The support aims to nurture promising ideas and build a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startups receive funding between ₹20 lakh and ₹50 lakh as a grant, which is non-dilutive and does not require giving up equity.

• Grant funding of ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh from DST's NIDHI Seed Support Program.
• Open exclusively to startups incubated or pre-incubated at VJTI TBI.
• Focus areas: Energy, IoT, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicles, Semiconductors, and AI/ML.
• Non-dilutive – no equity taken by the program.
• Applicants must have at least 3 months of association with VJTI TBI.
• At least 51% Indian shareholding required.

This program is open to startups that have been incubated or pre-incubated at VJTI TBI (VJTI Technology Business Incubator). Key eligibility criteria include:

• The startup must be registered in India.
• The venture must be working on solutions in at least one of these focus areas: Energy, IoT, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicles, Semiconductors, or AI/ML.
• As per general NIDHI-SSP guidelines, the startup must have a minimum of 3 months of association with VJTI TBI.
• At least 51% of the shareholding must be held by Indian promoters.
• The startup should be at an early stage, requiring seed funding to progress toward commercialisation or further investment.

NIDHI Seed Support Program at VJTI TBI Foundation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for NIDHI Seed Support Program at VJTI TBI Foundation closed on 10 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh as a grant. This funding is non-dilutive, meaning the program does not take any equity in the startup. The grant helps cover product development, market validation, hiring, and other early-stage expenses, enabling startups to mature to a point where they can raise larger rounds from angel investors or venture capitalists.

NIDHI Seed Support Program at VJTI TBI Foundation is offered by VJTI TBI Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by VJTI TBI Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to NIDHI Seed Support Program at VJTI TBI Foundation, 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 Seed Support Program at VJTI TBI Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹20L – ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.