NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program offers grant funding up to ₹4 Lakh for students, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Funding amount
- ₹4L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program is an initiative designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students. This program is spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, reflecting its commitment to nurturing new ideas within the agricultural sector and related fields.
It provides crucial financial support to students, enabling them to transform their innovative concepts into viable ventures. By offering grant funding, NSTEP aims to reduce financial barriers for young innovators, encouraging them to develop solutions that can contribute to various sectors, particularly those aligned with the Ministry's objectives.
Highlights
- Grant funding available for student innovators.
- Financial support up to ₹4 Lakh.
- Initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Focuses on student innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Application deadline: May 15, 2026.
Who can apply
The NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program is designed for students who are pursuing innovative projects and have entrepreneurial aspirations. This initiative aims to support young minds in developing and implementing their novel ideas. Eligibility is centered around the student status of the applicant and the innovative nature of their proposed venture.
NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship 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 NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship closed on 15 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Recipients of the NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program receive grant funding to support their innovative projects. This financial assistance can be up to ₹4 Lakh, providing significant capital to help students develop their ideas, conduct research, build prototypes, and cover initial operational costs. As a grant, this funding is non-repayable, allowing student entrepreneurs to focus on their innovation without the burden of debt.
About the provider
NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 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.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 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
NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹4L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program?
The NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program is an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare that provides grant funding to students to support their innovative projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
How much funding can I receive through this program?
The program offers grant funding of up to ₹4 Lakh to eligible student innovators.
Who is eligible to apply for the NSTEP program?
The NSTEP program is specifically designed for students who are engaged in innovation and have entrepreneurial aspirations.
What is the application deadline for NSTEP?
The deadline to apply for the NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program is May 15, 2026.
Does this program take equity in my startup?
No, the NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program provides grant funding, which means it does not take any equity in your venture. Grants are non-dilutive financial support.
How can I apply for the NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program?
You can apply for the program by visiting the official application link provided: https://lnkd.in/gCA_sDDD.
Who is the provider of the NSTEP program?
The NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship program is provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Is DPIIT recognition required for NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship?
NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare runs 3 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Not sure NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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