NSTEP – Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Grant up to ₹4 Lakhs for students & research scholars in millet-based innovation.
- 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 by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR, a Technology Business Incubator in Hyderabad, operating under the PM-RKVY (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. This grant-in-aid program aims to foster millet-based innovation among students and research scholars across Indian academic institutions. The grant, up to ₹4 Lakhs, is non-repayable and can be used for research, prototyping, product development, intellectual property rights, raw materials, and operational costs. Beyond funding, participants receive intensive training in financial planning, market analysis, pitch development, and millet processing. They also gain access to strategic market pathways and mentorship from technical and business experts, helping bridge academic research and commercial viability. By focusing on millets, the program supports national goals of promoting nutritious, drought-resistant grains, enhancing food security, and diversifying farmer incomes.
Highlights
- Non-repayable grant up to ₹4 Lakhs for millet-based innovations.
- Open to students and research scholars from recognized Indian institutions.
- Includes training, mentorship, and market access support.
- Operated by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Application deadline: 15 May 2026.
Who can apply
Applications are invited from students and research scholars currently enrolled in recognized academic institutions across India. Projects must be distinctly focused on millet-based innovations and startups, including but not limited to new product development, process innovation, value-added products, supply chain improvements, or technology solutions related to millets. The innovation should aim to address challenges or create opportunities within the millet ecosystem, contributing to food security, farmer livelihoods, or consumer health.
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
- Non-repayable grant up to ₹4 Lakhs for research, prototyping, product development, IP rights, raw materials, and operational costs.
- Intensive training in financial planning, market analysis, pitch development, and millet processing.
- Strategic market access pathways and insights into distribution channels and consumer preferences.
- Access to experienced technical and business mentors for one-on-one guidance.
- Supportive ecosystem including physical infrastructure at Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR.
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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Online application submission: Applicants submit a detailed project idea, business plan, budget breakdown, and credentials via the designated portal. Document submission: Supporting documents include proof of student/research scholar status, a detailed project proposal, CV of applicant(s), and budget breakdown. Initial screening: A panel of experts evaluates applications based on novelty, technical feasibility, market potential, and alignment with millet-focused objectives. Presentation and interview: Shortlisted candidates present their project virtually or in-person to a selection committee. Final selection: Successful applicants are notified and grant is disbursed in tranches contingent on milestone achievement.
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
How much funding is offered?
The program offers a non-repayable grant of up to ₹4 Lakhs.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 15 May 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students and research scholars currently enrolled in recognized academic institutions across India are eligible. Projects must focus on millet-based innovations or startups.
What expenses can the grant cover?
The grant can be used for research, prototyping, product development, intellectual property rights, raw materials, consumables, and operational costs such as laboratory fees and initial marketing.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant-in-aid program, so it is non-repayable and does not require equity.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The provided details do not require DPIIT or MSME registration for eligibility.
What kind of non-financial support is provided?
Participants receive intensive training in financial planning, market analysis, pitch development, and millet processing. They also gain access to technical and business mentors and strategic market pathways.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the designated portal at https://lnkd.in/gCA_sDDD. You need to provide a project proposal, budget, and academic credentials.
How are applications selected?
Applications are screened for novelty, feasibility, and market potential. Shortlisted candidates present to a selection committee. Final selection is followed by milestone-based grant disbursement.
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.
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