NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst
NIDHI-SSS provides seed funding of up to ₹50 Lakhs to early-stage, innovation-driven startups incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst for product development and commercialization.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIT Mandi Catalyst (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closes in 5d (20 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The NIDHI Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) is a flagship initiative under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, designed to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship. Implemented by host Technology Business Incubators like IIT Mandi Catalyst, this scheme offers early-stage financial assistance to technology-driven and innovation-led startups. It acts as a critical bridge, enabling promising ventures to transition from proof-of-concept to a market-ready product.
IIT Mandi Catalyst, located at the Kamand Campus of IIT Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, leverages this scheme to support its incubatee startups. The funding addresses challenges nascent startups face in developing prototypes, validating markets, and preparing for initial commercial launch. By providing seed capital, NIDHI-SSS de-risks the early phases of a startup's journey, making it more attractive for future private investment. The programme reflects the government's commitment to nurturing a vibrant startup culture, particularly in deep-technology and innovation domains with significant societal and economic potential.
Highlights
- Seed funding up to ₹50 Lakhs as a grant (no equity or repayment)
- Exclusive to startups incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst
- Backed by DST, Government of India under the NIDHI scheme
- Focus on product development, prototyping, and commercialization
- Access to incubation support and DST innovation ecosystem
Who can apply
This seed support is exclusively available to startups that are incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst. The scheme targets innovation- and technology-driven ventures needing seed funding to develop products and take them to market. NIDHI-SSS seed support is disbursed only through the host incubator to its incubatee startups. Founders must be part of an active IIT Mandi Catalyst incubatee startup. No specific industry, stage, state, entity type, DPIIT, or MSME restrictions are mentioned, but the focus is on innovation and technology-driven ventures.
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst 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
Applications for NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst are open and the current deadline is Closes in 5d (20 Jul 2026). Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
NIDHI-SSS offers up to ₹50 Lakhs in seed funding to early-stage, innovation-driven startups incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst. The funding is earmarked for product development, prototyping, testing, and initial commercialization — helping startups move from proof-of-concept to a market-ready product. As an incubatee scheme, it also connects founders to IIT Mandi Catalyst's incubation support and the wider DST innovation ecosystem. The funding is a grant, meaning no equity or repayment is required.
About the provider
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst is offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIT Mandi Catalyst as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications for NIDHI-SSS funding are evaluated by a selection committee at IIT Mandi Catalyst, comprising internal experts and external industry specialists. The process typically involves an initial screening of online applications and submitted documents (business plan, pitch deck, etc.) to assess innovation potential, market viability, and team capability. Shortlisted startups are then invited for an in-depth interview or pitch presentation, allowing the committee to examine their technology, product roadmap, and utilization plan for the seed funding. Final selection is based on the overall strength of the proposal, alignment with programme objectives, and the startup's potential for impact.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst, 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-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NIDHI-SSS program?
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) is a scheme under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) programme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. It provides seed funding to early-stage, innovation-driven startups to nurture and accelerate their growth, and is implemented at IIT Mandi Catalyst.
How much funding is offered?
Startups can receive seed funding of up to ₹50 Lakhs. The exact amount depends on the startup's needs, milestones, and evaluation by the incubator.
Is the funding a grant or does it take equity?
The funding is a grant, so no equity is taken and no repayment is required. It is non-dilutive seed support.
Who is eligible to apply?
Only startups that are currently incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst are eligible. The programme targets innovation- or technology-driven startups requiring seed capital for product development and commercialization.
What can the funding be used for?
The funding is intended for product development, prototyping, testing, and commercialization purposes, helping startups transition their innovative ideas into viable market offerings.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is July 20, 2026. Ensure to submit before this date.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the dedicated NIDHI-SSS application form hosted by IIT Mandi Catalyst. Prospective applicants must first be accepted into and be an active incubatee of IIT Mandi Catalyst to be considered.
What documents are typically needed?
Typical documents include a detailed business proposal, pitch deck, financial projections, and company registration documents. The exact list may be specified in the application form.
Who funds the NIDHI-SSS scheme?
The scheme is sponsored by the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and implemented locally by IIT Mandi Catalyst.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The provided information does not specify a requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration. However, being an incubatee of IIT Mandi Catalyst is mandatory.
Who offers NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst?
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst is offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from IIT Mandi Catalyst
IIT Mandi Catalyst runs 6 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst
Not sure NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.