NIDHI-SSS at RIIDL — Seed Funding for Incubated Tech Startups — Frequently Asked Questions

There is no fixed amount. The programme states that funding varies from case to case, decided by the stage of the startup and its specific needs, within the framework of DST guidelines. Rather than a standard cheque size, what is fixed is the set of instruments the support can take — a grant, a convertible loan, a soft loan, equity, or a combination of them.

It can, but not necessarily. The programme is flexible about structure: support may come as a pure grant or a soft loan, which do not dilute founders, or as a convertible loan or an equity investment, which do involve a stake in the business as per DST guidelines. Which route applies is settled during evaluation, so it is worth clarifying your preference early.

You need to be a company registered in India, working on something innovation- or technology-driven, and at an early stage. You must have spent at least three months in RIIDL's incubation programme — resident or virtual both count — and be able to show a clear Unique Selling Proposition supported by customer validation. Indian promoters have to hold at least 51% of the shareholding, and Indian subsidiaries of MNCs or foreign companies cannot apply.

DPIIT recognition is preferred rather than mandatory. Startups that are already DPIIT-registered, or that have at least submitted an application for recognition, are viewed more favourably. If you have not started that process, it is worth beginning it alongside your NIDHI-SSS application.

Yes. A minimum of three months of association with RIIDL's incubation programme is a hard requirement before the seed support round can be applied for. The good news is that virtual incubation counts, so your team does not have to be physically based at the facility. If you are not yet incubated, joining RIIDL's programme is the first step.

No. Applications run on a rolling, always-open basis, so there is no annual window or last date to race against. You can apply once you have met the incubation requirement and have your documentation ready.

The support is meant to be spent on getting your product to market. Permitted uses include product development and refinement, testing and trials, initial market launch activities, manpower costs, professional services, raw material procurement, and other essential operational expenses that come up during early growth.

Not disqualified, but you are at a disadvantage. Startups that have not received funding from any Government of India or State Government body are given preference. Having taken such funding before does not rule you out — it simply means the committee may weigh your application differently.

Once your startup has completed at least three months of association with RIIDL's incubation programme, you apply for the seed support round by filling out the official RIIDL application form. Submissions go through an online portal — the Airtable form at https://airtable.com/app3Mx8tBwReybdGr/shrGlsPMylHakRO45. Make sure every detail and document you submit is accurate, since the form is the basis of the initial screening.

There are two rounds. RIIDL's internal team first screens applications for eligibility and fit. Shortlisted applications then go to an independent Seed Management Committee constituted under DST guidelines, whose expert members assess the innovation, the technology, the market potential, the founding team's capabilities and the business plan. Final selections follow the SMC's recommendations, and the chosen startups receive support as a grant and/or a convertible instrument.

NIDHI-SSS at RIIDL — Seed Funding for Incubated Tech Startups is offered by RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.