SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani
Seed funding of ₹30–50 lakh for BITS Pilani students and recent alumni building innovation-led startups, combining non-matching and matching capital with institutional support from PIEDS.
- Funding amount
- ₹30L – ₹50L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- PIEDS (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (19 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation is an early-stage seed funding initiative by the Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), BITS Pilani. It aims to support high-potential, innovation-driven startups founded by BITS Pilani students or recent alumni.
The fund provides ₹30 lakh to ₹50 lakh per selected startup, combining non-matching and matching capital. This structure encourages founders to also attract external investors, amplifying the overall funding. Beyond the financial grant, startups receive strong institutional backing from PIEDS, including mentorship, co-working space, networking access, and incubation support.
The program focuses on helping startups validate ideas, build prototypes, develop minimum viable products, and accelerate early commercialization. Target sectors include Applied AI, DeepTech, ClimateTech, and Industry 4.0.
Highlights
- Seed funding of ₹30 lakh – ₹50 lakh per startup
- At least one co-founder must be a BITS Pilani student or alumnus (graduated within 5 years)
- Focus areas: Applied AI, DeepTech, ClimateTech, Industry 4.0
- Combination of non-matching and matching funding to encourage co-investment
- PIEDS incubation, mentorship, and access to BITS ecosystem
Who can apply
At least one co-founder must be a current BITS Pilani student or an alumnus who graduated within the last 5 years. The startup must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company. It should not have received prior funding from PIEDS. The startup must operate in one of the target sectors: Applied AI, DeepTech, ClimateTech, or Industry 4.0.
SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage working in ai saas enterprise, deeptech electronics robotics, climate energy ev and manufacturing industrial. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as private limited.
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Entity type
- Private Limited
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani closed on 19 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive seed funding of ₹30–50 lakh, structured as a combination of non-matching and matching capital. They also gain institutional backing from PIEDS, including mentorship, co-working space, networking access, and incubation support to help validate ideas, build prototypes, and develop MVPs.
About the provider
SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani is offered by PIEDS, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by PIEDS as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
- 1Online Application
- 2Screening
- 3Shortlisting & Pitch
- 4Investment Committee Review
- 5Selection, Agreement & Funding
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications from eligible BITS Pilani students and recent alumni are submitted online. PIEDS screens applications based on innovation quality, team strength, and commercial potential. Shortlisted candidates are invited to pitch. Following the pitch, an Investment Committee reviews finalists. Selected startups then go through agreement and funding disbursement.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:
- Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited
- 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
SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage ai saas enterprise, deeptech electronics robotics and climate energy ev startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹30L – ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
Startups where at least one co-founder is a current BITS Pilani student or an alumnus who graduated within the last 5 years are eligible. The startup must be registered as a Private Limited Company and should not have previously received funding from PIEDS.
How much funding does the program offer?
The program offers between ₹30 lakh and ₹50 lakh per selected startup, combining non-matching and matching funding components.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is June 19, 2026.
What sectors are funded?
The program funds startups in Applied AI, DeepTech, ClimateTech, and Industry 4.0.
What entity type is required?
Startups must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company in India.
Does the program require DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required for this program.
Is the funding a grant or equity?
The funding is a grant. It combines non-matching and matching capital, and no equity is taken by PIEDS.
What documents are typically needed?
Specifically required documents are not listed, but the application process includes an online form, screening, pitch, and investment committee review. Applicants should be prepared to provide details about their startup, team, and business plan.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the PIEDS Accubate platform at the provided apply URL.
What is the selection process?
The selection process includes: Online Application, Screening, Shortlisting & Pitch, Investment Committee Review, and final Selection, Agreement & Funding.
Who offers SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani?
SMT. Raj Kumari Jain Seed Fund for Innovation at PIEDS BITS Pilani is offered by PIEDS, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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