NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) Phase 2 at ACIC-VGU Foundation

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, designed to help early-stage tech startups move from prototype to commercialization — lab to market.

At ACIC-VGU Foundation, this program provides seed funding of up to ₹50 Lakhs through Equity or Equity-linked instruments. The incubator takes a minority equity stake, making this a dilutive funding option. Funding is milestone-based, with a moratorium of up to 12 months available for loan-based components (if applicable).

Startups receive not just capital but also expert mentorship, investor connections, and go-to-market support from the ACIC VGU Foundation ecosystem. The program supports PoC, prototype development, product trials, customer validation, and market launch.

• Funding up to ₹50 Lakhs via Equity/Equity-linked instruments (minority stake by incubator).
• Run by ACIC-VGU Foundation under DST's NIDHI Seed Support Program.
• Open to tech startups with a working prototype or MVP.
• Must have 3+ months association with ACIC VGU Foundation (or willingness to onboard).
• Preference for startups that haven't received seed funding from Central/State schemes.
• Focus on 10+ sectors including AgriTech, HealthTech, CleanTech, DeepTech, SaaS, IoT, SpaceTech.

Startups must be legally registered in India, with at least 51% equity held by Indian promoters. A DPIIT recognition is preferred, or the startup must be willing to apply for it. Startups need to have a minimum 3 months association (physical or virtual incubation) with ACIC VGU Foundation, or be willing to onboard. The product must be innovative/technology-driven with a working prototype or MVP and a clear, customer-validated USP. Preference is given to startups that have not previously received seed funding from any Central/State Government scheme. The startup cannot be a subsidiary of an MNC or foreign company. Focus sectors include AgriTech, HealthTech & MedTech, CleanTech & Sustainability, DeepTech/AI/ML, SaaS/Digital Platforms, IoT, Industry 4.0, SpaceTech, Mobility, Drones, and more.

NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) Phase 2 at ACIC-VGU 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 (SSP) Phase 2 at ACIC-VGU Foundation closed on 7 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Up to ₹50 Lakhs seed funding via Equity or Equity-linked instruments.
• Milestone-based disbursement with a moratorium of up to 12 months (for loan-based components, if applicable).
• Expert mentorship, investor connect, and GTM support from ACIC VGU Foundation's ecosystem.
• Funding covers PoC, prototype development, product trials, customer validation, and market launch.

NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) Phase 2 at ACIC-VGU Foundation is offered by ACIC VGU Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by ACIC VGU Foundation as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to NIDHI Seed Support Program (SSP) Phase 2 at ACIC-VGU 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 (SSP) Phase 2 at ACIC-VGU Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.