SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups
Seed funding for iDEX-referred defence startups incubating at SIIC IIT Kanpur, offering ₹10L–₹15Cr via equity/equity-like instruments.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L – ₹15Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of MSME (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Jul 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups is hosted by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur under the FIRST/SPiDeR initiative. It is run in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and iDEX to boost domestic defence manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and enhance export potential. Selected startups and MSMEs in defence and allied sectors receive seed funding between ₹10 lakhs and ₹150 lakhs in the form of equity or equity-like instruments. Supported activities include testing and trials, prototype validation, product design, technology transfers, pilot-scale manufacturing, field and market trials, product launch and scale-up, and any other expenses approved by the Investment Committee.
Highlights
- Funding range: ₹10 lakhs to ₹150 lakhs (₹10L–₹15Cr)
- Funds provided as equity or equity-like instruments – no repayment required
- Open only to winners of iDEX challenges referred by iDEX
- Applicant must be incubated or willing to incubate at SIIC IIT Kanpur
- Supported activities: testing, prototyping, design, pilot manufacturing, field trials, and launch
- Deadline: 20 July 2025
Who can apply
To apply, an entity must be an Indian private limited company that is either already incubated at SIIC IIT Kanpur or willing to incubate there. The applicant must be a winner of an iDEX challenge, officially referred by iDEX to FIRST, and must have already received iDEX grant support. Additionally, the startup must be DPIIT-registered or recognized as a startup. The programme is specifically focused on startups and MSMEs in the defence and allied sectors.
SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups 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 SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups closed on 20 Jul 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected applicants receive seed funding ranging from ₹10 lakhs to ₹150 lakhs (₹10L–₹15Cr) via equity or equity-like instruments. The funds can be used for testing, trials, and prototype validation; product design and development; technology transfers and pilot-scale manufacturing; field and market trials; product launch and scale-up; and other eligible activities approved by the Investment Committee.
About the provider
SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups is offered by Ministry of MSME, 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
Applications are reviewed by an Investment Committee that evaluates proposals based on programme guidelines and eligibility criteria. The process includes verification of iDEX challenge win, referral by iDEX, receipt of iDEX grant, DPIIT registration, and commitment to incubate at SIIC IIT Kanpur.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups, 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 Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L – ₹15Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered under the SIDBI Seed Fund Programme?
The programme offers seed funding between ₹10 lakhs and ₹150 lakhs (₹10L–₹15Cr), provided as equity or equity-like instruments.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 20 July 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must be Indian private limited companies that are winners of an iDEX challenge, referred by iDEX to FIRST, and have already received iDEX grant support. The startup must be DPIIT-registered or recognized as a startup, and must be incubated or willing to incubate at SIIC IIT Kanpur.
What sectors does this programme focus on?
The programme focuses on startups and MSMEs in the defence and allied sectors.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, applicants must be DPIIT-registered or recognized as a startup.
Does the programme take equity?
Yes, the funding is provided in the form of equity or equity-like instruments, meaning the programme may take an ownership stake in the startup.
What can the funding be used for?
Funding can be used for testing and trials, prototype validation, product design and development, technology transfers, pilot-scale manufacturing, field and market trials, product launch and scale-up, and other eligible activities approved by the Investment Committee.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via a Google Form. The direct link is provided on the StartupFunds.in listing page. For any queries, you can contact Ashish Sharma at ashish.sharma@iitkfirst.com.
Who offers SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups?
SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for iDEX-Supported Startups is offered by Ministry of MSME, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Ministry of MSME
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