SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support
SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA provides equity funding up to ₹1 crore for early-stage agri-tech and agri-business startups, along with mentoring and enterprise development services.
- Funding amount
- ₹1Cr (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM (Academic)
- Application deadline
- 31 Jul 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The SIDBI Seed Fund Program is a joint effort by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and a-IDEA (the Agri-Business Incubator at ICAR-NAARM). This program provides crucial seed equity funding to early-stage agri-tech and agri-business startups, helping them bridge gaps in the agricultural value chain, particularly in non-farm areas. The goal is to foster innovation, enhance productivity, and create sustainable livelihoods. The partnership, formalized in March 2026, combines ICAR-NAARM's agricultural expertise with SIDBI's financial strength to support startups with an innovative product, technology, or solution. Selected startups receive equity funding up to ₹1 crore, expert mentoring, and enterprise development services to help them scale and achieve market readiness.
Highlights
- Seed equity funding up to ₹1 Crore
- Focus on agri-tech and agri-business startups
- Mentoring and enterprise development support
- For MVP or early commercialization stage startups
- Requires DPIIT recognition
- Incubation-ready startups at a-IDEA
Who can apply
Startups must be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or early commercialization stage with a clear innovative product or solution. They must be either currently incubated at a-IDEA or ready for incubation. The startup must be registered as an Indian Private Limited company, recognized by DPIIT, and have at least 51% Indian ownership. Founders must be fully committed to working full-time on the venture. Startups that have already received SIDBI seed funding from other incubators are not eligible.
SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support 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
Applications for SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support are open and the current deadline is 31 Jul 2026. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
The program offers seed equity funding up to ₹1 Crore per startup. In addition to capital, selected startups receive mentoring from industry experts, scientists, and business leaders from ICAR-NAARM and a-IDEA, covering business models, technology, and market entry. They also gain access to enterprise development services, including legal, financial, and operational support, network access, and scaling opportunities within a-IDEA's incubation ecosystem.
About the provider
SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support is offered by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM as a equity. 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
Applications are first screened based on eligibility, innovation, and potential impact in agri-tech and agri-business. A committee with experts from a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM, and SIDBI evaluates the proposals. Shortlisted startups may be invited for presentations or interviews to discuss their product, team, market strategy, and financial projections. Final selection depends on scalability, innovation, market fit, and founder commitment.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support, 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
SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the SIDBI Seed Fund Program provide?
The program offers seed equity funding of up to ₹1 Crore per startup, taking an equity stake in exchange for the investment.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is July 31, 2026.
What stage should my startup be at to apply?
Your startup should be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or early commercialization stage, demonstrating an innovative product, technology, or solution.
Which sectors are funded?
The program focuses on agri-tech and agri-business startups, particularly those addressing non-farm aspects of agriculture such as Post-Harvest Technologies, Food Technology, Supply and Value Chain, Agri-FinTech, Value Addition, Aquaculture, Animal Husbandry, and Farm Machinery.
Do I need to be incubated at a-IDEA to apply?
Yes, you must be either currently incubated at a-IDEA or ready for incubation. This means you should be part of or prepared to join the a-IDEA ecosystem.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, your startup must be recognized by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) under the Startup India initiative.
Does the program take equity?
Yes, this is an equity funding program. SIDBI and a-IDEA will take an equity stake in your company in exchange for the investment.
Can a startup that already received SIDBI seed funding from another incubator apply?
No, startups that have previously received SIDBI seed funding from other incubators are not eligible for this program.
What kind of support is provided besides funding?
Selected startups receive mentoring from industry experts and business leaders, as well as enterprise development services covering legal, financial, and operational aspects, access to networks, and scaling opportunities.
How do I apply?
You can submit your application through the designated portal at https://aideanaarm.accubate.app/ext/form/23775/1/apply. Ensure you have a pitch deck, business plan, financial projections, and team profiles ready, along with DPIIT recognition and company registration details.
Who is eligible to apply for SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support?
SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support?
SIDBI Seed Fund Program at a-IDEA Funding Support is offered by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.
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