NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

NIDHI-Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) is an initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) that provides financial assistance to early-stage startups with promising ideas, innovations, and technologies. The program aims to bridge the funding gap during the initial phase of technology-driven startups. It supports activities such as proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. The grants are disbursed through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) approved under the NIDHI-SSS program. Startups must be incubated at a STEP (Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park) or TBI and have a minimum residency of three months.

• Grants up to ₹1Cr for tech startups
• Supports proof of concept, prototype, trials, market entry, and commercialization
• Only for startups incubated at DST-approved STEPs or TBIs
• Minimum three months residency at the incubator required
• Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding
• OCI and PIO considered Indian citizens

To be eligible for NIDHI-SSS, a startup must be a registered company in India. The startup must be Indian-owned, not a subsidiary of a multinational corporation or foreign company. However, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) are considered Indian citizens. Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding in the incubate startup. Additionally, the startup must have completed a minimum of three months of residency at a DST-approved STEP or TBI.

NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) 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 startups receive a grant of up to ₹1Cr. The funds can be used for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. The grant is disbursed through the host TBI, which also provides incubation support.

NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) 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.

Startups apply to the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) approved under NIDHI-SSS. TBIs typically announce calls for applications once a year, often starting in January. Each TBI has its own application process and timeline. Selection is done by the TBI based on the startup's innovation, technology potential, and business viability.

Before you apply to NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS), 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 System (NIDHI-SSS) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.