Punjab Startup Policy: Seed Funding for DPIIT Startups — Frequently Asked Questions

This programme offers a seed grant of up to ₹15 lakh (₹15,00,000) per DPIIT-recognised startup. There is no stated upper limit on the number of startups that can be funded.

It is an equity-free grant. The government does not take any ownership stake in your startup in return for the funding.

Your startup needs three things: (1) valid DPIIT recognition from the Government of India, (2) registration and active operations in Punjab, and (3) an innovation-led product or service.

The programme is strongly focused on producing real outcomes. It prefers startups that already have a prototype or a Proof of Concept (PoC) ready. Ideas without any tangible progress are less likely to be selected.

Yes. Claiming the grant without DPIIT recognition will lead to immediate rejection. If you haven't already, you need to register at the Startup India portal and obtain your recognition number before applying.

The eligibility criteria do not require MSME registration. Having DPIIT recognition is the key requirement. That said, MSME registration often helps prove established status and may be useful — but it is not a condition of the programme.

Eligible uses include proof-of-concept development, building advanced prototypes (material, engineering, testing), market validation activities (surveys, pilots), and initial commercialisation expenses (early marketing, sales strategy).

You will need the DPIIT recognition certificate, your company's incorporation/registration certificate, a detailed project proposal (problem, solution, market, team budget), profile of each co-founder, and any incubator recommendation if available.

Submit your application and all required documents through the official portal at pbindustries.gov.in (or the Startup Punjab portal, called Invest Punjab). The submission is completely online. If you have a Punjab incubator recommendation, mention it in the proposal.

Once submitted, the files reach the State Startup Empowered Committee, a panel of experts appointed by the Government of Punjab. They consider: how new/technologically deep your idea is, its market potential and the team behind it. Selections are purely document-based and final.

Punjab Startup Policy: Seed Funding for DPIIT Startups provides ₹15L (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.

Punjab Startup Policy: Seed Funding for DPIIT Startups runs on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline — applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Check the official site to confirm the window is currently open.

Punjab Startup Policy: Seed Funding for DPIIT Startups is offered by Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.