NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University
Equity-based seed funding up to ₹1Cr for startups at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University, with a total corpus of ₹10Cr.
- Funding amount
- ₹25L – ₹1Cr (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (30 Nov 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University is a government-backed initiative designed to provide timely seed support to deserving startups within the incubator. Run by riidl, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, the fund has a total corpus of ₹10 Crore. The goal is to help startups scale their ventures to the next level, enabling them to succeed in the marketplace and graduate to a point where they can attract angel investors, venture capital, or bank loans. Funding is provided as an equity-based investment, with individual amounts ranging from ₹25 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore. The project duration is typically 12 months, during which funds can be used for product development, testing and trials, test marketing, mentoring, professional consultancy (e.g., attracting professors), IPR issues, and manpower for day-to-day operations.
Highlights
- Equity-based seed funding of ₹25 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore per startup.
- Total corpus of ₹10 Crore under the NIDHI-SSS program.
- Open to startups with at least 3 months residency at riidl.
- Focus on product-based, IP-rich ventures with strong knowledge components.
- Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding; OCI/PIO considered Indian.
- Funds can be used for product development, testing, marketing, IPR, and operational manpower.
Who can apply
To apply, startups must be registered companies in India. They should have completed a minimum of three months of residency at a STEP/TBI (Technology Business Incubator), specifically at riidl. The startup must be an Indian startup, not a subsidiary of an MNC or foreign company. Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding; persons with OCI/PIO status are treated as Indian citizens for this purpose. Preference is given to startups with product offerings (rather than service-based), strong intellectual property, deep knowledge components, and alignment with riidl's focus areas.
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University 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
The most recent application window for NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University closed on 30 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Equity investment of ₹25 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore per startup.
- Total fund corpus of ₹10 Crore.
- 12-month project duration for utilizing funds.
- Funds can be used for product development, testing/trials, test marketing, mentoring, professional consultancy (e.g., engaging professors), IPR issues, and manpower for day-to-day operations.
About the provider
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University is offered by RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University, 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 riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹25L – ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the funding amount offered under NIDHI-SSS at riidl?
The funding ranges from ₹25 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore per startup, provided as equity-based investment.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 30 November 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible startups must be registered companies in India, have at least three months of residency at riidl (a STEP/TBI), and have Indian promoters holding at least 51% shareholding. The startup must be an Indian startup, not a subsidiary of a foreign company.
What type of funding is provided — grant, loan, or equity?
Funding is provided as an equity investment, meaning the incubator takes a stake in the startup in exchange for the capital.
Does the program require DPIIT or MSME registration?
The eligibility criteria do not explicitly mention DPIIT or MSME registration as a requirement. However, startups should be registered companies in India and meet the shareholding and residency conditions.
What can the funds be used for?
Funds can be used for product development, testing and trials, test marketing, mentoring, professional consultancy (e.g., attracting professors), IPR issues, and manpower for day-to-day operations.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via an Airtable form at https://airtable.com/app3Mx8tBwReybdGr/shrGlsPMylHakRO45. The apply URL is provided by the program.
Is there any preference for certain types of startups?
Yes, emphasis is placed on product offerings rather than service offerings, IP-rich enterprises, strong knowledge components, and alignment with riidl's focus areas.
What is the project duration for utilizing the funds?
The project duration is typically 12 months.
Who offers NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University?
NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University is offered by RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.
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