Start Up Fund
Oil India Limited's Start Up Fund, under the 'SNEH' program, offers technical and financial support along with incubation to DPIIT-recognized startups across ideation, early traction, and scale-up stages.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Oil India Limited (corporate)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Oil India Limited's Start Up Fund, launched under its 'Start-Up Nurturing, Enabling & Handholding' (SNEH) program, is a grant-based initiative aligned with the Government of India's Start-up India campaign. The fund aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by providing early-stage financial and technical support to DPIIT-recognized startups. It targets ventures at various stages—from ideation to early traction and scale-up—with a focus on technology-driven products or services that have strong market potential and a clear path to commercialization.
The program has already supported 25 early-stage startups, helping them mature from ideation to commercialization. Strategic partnerships with premier institutions like IIT-Guwahati, IIT-Bhubaneswar, and IIT-Delhi provide incubation support. These collaborations leverage academic excellence to nurture startups and provide access to laboratory and workshop facilities. The fund is continuously onboarding new startups, reflecting its ongoing commitment to India's innovation ecosystem.
Highlights
- Technical and financial support
- Incubation with IIT partners
- Mentoring and working space
- Open to DPIIT-recognized startups
- Supports ideation to scale-up stages
- Rolling applications throughout the year
Who can apply
The Start Up Fund, under the SNEH program, targets innovative Indian startups recognized by DPIIT. Applicants must present a technology-driven business idea for a product or service with strong market fit, viable commercialization potential, and a clear path to scale. A critical requirement is that Indian promoters must maintain at least 51% shareholding in the startup, as per the Companies Act, 2013, and SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018. The program specifically excludes proposals lacking commercial potential, those that are purely academic R&D, or initiatives deemed to carry significant ethical and environmental health and safety risks. The emphasis is on tangible innovation and market-ready solutions rather than purely theoretical research.
Start Up Fund 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
Start Up Fund accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
The Start Up Fund by Oil India Limited provides early-stage financial and technical support to innovative startups. Beyond capital, selected ventures receive comprehensive incubation support, including access to dedicated working space at partner incubation centres. This physical infrastructure is complemented by essential utilities such as internet, electricity, and drinking water, ensuring a conducive environment for development. Startups also gain access to laboratory and workshop facilities, which are crucial for product development and testing, especially for tech-driven solutions. Furthermore, the program offers mentoring support from industry experts and experienced professionals, guiding startups through critical stages from ideation to commercialization and scale-up. This holistic support package is designed to nurture innovation, facilitate market readiness, and accelerate the growth of promising Indian startups.
About the provider
Start Up Fund is offered by Oil India Limited, a corporate programme. It is delivered directly by Oil India Limited as a grant. 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
The selection process for the Start Up Fund is rigorous and multi-faceted. Initially, applications submitted through the online portal are thoroughly reviewed by a dedicated Startup Steering Committee or experts appointed by Oil India Limited. This initial screening focuses on evaluating the novelty and innovation of the business idea, its potential for commercialization, the viability of the market fit, and the scope for scaling. Proposals that are purely academic R&D, lack commercial potential, or pose significant ethical/environmental risks are filtered out. Shortlisted startups progress to a presentation/interaction round, where they pitch their solutions, technology, and business model to a panel of experts from OIL and its incubation partners. This stage assesses the team's capabilities, the depth of their technological understanding, and their strategic vision. The final selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of these criteria, culminating in an invitation to join the SNEH program and formalize the support through a tripartite agreement.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Start Up Fund, 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.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of support does the Start Up Fund provide?
The fund offers technical and financial support, along with comprehensive incubation facilities. This includes working space, internet, electricity, laboratory and workshop access, library facilities, and crucial mentoring support from experienced professionals.
What are the key eligibility criteria for applying?
Startups must be recognized by DPIIT, possess an innovative business idea with market fit, viable commercialization potential, and a clear path to scale. The core product or service should leverage technology. Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding.
Is there any specific industry focus for the program?
No specific industry focus is mentioned. The program is open to startups with innovative products or services that can solve problems using technology across various sectors, provided they have commercial potential.
What stages of startups does the SNEH program support?
The 'SNEH' program supports startups across three key stages: Ideation (from idea to Proof of Concept), Early Traction (from Proof of Concept to Commercialization), and Scale-up (for already commercialized startups looking to expand operations).
How long does the support typically last?
The duration of support is at the discretion of Oil India Limited and is guided by the terms of the Tripartite Agreement signed between OIL, the startup, and the incubation center. It is tailored to the needs of each selected startup.
Can startups with existing funding apply to this program?
Yes, the program supports early-stage funding and incubation, and there is no explicit restriction against startups that may have raised some prior funding. The focus is on innovative ideas and their potential.
How do I apply to the Start Up Fund?
All applications must be submitted exclusively through the online portal. Applications sent via physical mail, email, or any other method will be summarily rejected. The portal is hosted either by Oil India Limited directly, an OIL-appointed incubation centre, or a designated third-party.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no fee required to submit an application, ensuring accessibility for all eligible startups.
What is the application deadline?
The online application portal remains open throughout the year, allowing startups to apply at any time. Applications are processed periodically, typically on a half-yearly basis.
Does Start Up Fund take equity?
No. Start Up Fund is grant and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Start Up Fund?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Start Up Fund, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Start Up Fund?
Start Up Fund is offered by Oil India Limited, a corporate programme. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Start Up Fund
Not sure Start Up Fund is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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