NIDHI SSS Seed Support at GUSEC

The GUSEC Seed program is part of the NIDHI Seed Support System (SSS), managed by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC). This initiative is a crucial seed funding effort from the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. GUSEC is also recognised as a TIDE Incubation Centre by the MeitY Startup Hub.

Selected startups can receive investments of up to ₹50,00,000. This capital may be provided as equity, debt, or a combination, with the exact terms, duration, and amount decided individually for each case. Funds are disbursed in stages, contingent on achieving pre-defined milestones. After fund utilisation, startups are required to undergo half-yearly progress reviews by the Seed Support Management Committee (SSMC) for at least 12 months. They must also submit quarterly and annual financial reports, along with a Utilisation Certificate.

GUSEC actively seeks deeptech entrepreneurs creating solutions in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Space Technology, Internet of Things, Machine Learning, and defence technology. Preference is given to technology-focused and product-based startups with proven market traction, those with strong intellectual property, and ventures involved in larger fundraising rounds where GUSEC can act as a co-investor. Although non-incubated startups can apply (their application will be considered for both seed funding and GUSEC incubation), funding disbursement is conditional on mandatory incubation at GUSEC. The first funding tranche will be released only after a minimum of three months of incubation at GUSEC. The application period concludes on May 31, 2026.

• Investment up to ₹50,00,000 available as equity or debt.
• Focus on deeptech sectors: AI, SpaceTech, IoT, ML, and defence technology.
• Requires mandatory, exclusive incubation at GUSEC for fund disbursement.
• Eligible entities: Indian Private Limited companies or LLPs with 51% Indian promoter shareholding.
• DPIIT recognition is preferred but not strictly essential.
• Applications close on May 31, 2026.

To be eligible for the GUSEC Seed program, applicants must be:

• An Indian-registered Private Limited company or LLP.
• Maintain at least 51% shareholding by Indian promoters, which includes OCI and PIO holders.
• Meet the DPIIT definition of an Indian startup; Indian subsidiaries of multinational or foreign corporations are not eligible.
• DPIIT recognition is preferred but not strictly mandatory.
• Exclusively incubated at GUSEC to receive funding, with the first tranche disbursed after three months of incubation.
• Not have any unutilized grants from GUSEC or any other incubator at the time of disbursement.
• Comply with GUSEC's policies on Startup Progress Review (SPR), Renewal of Incubation (Form-D), and Community Development Contribution (CDC).

Successful applicants are eligible for investments up to ₹50 lakh. This capital can be structured as equity, debt, or a combination, customised to the startup's specific needs. Funds are disbursed incrementally, tied to the achievement of agreed-upon milestones.

Beyond financial assistance, selected startups gain access to GUSEC's comprehensive incubation services. They also receive mentorship through the extensive GUSEC and TIDE networks. Furthermore, beneficiaries can participate in wider programs offered by the MeitY Startup Hub and DST/NSTEDB.

Priority is extended to startups that are actively pursuing larger funding rounds, where GUSEC can participate as a co-investor.