TANSEED 8.0 by StartupTN

TANSEED 8.0 is an equity-linked grant fund scheme by StartupTN, the Tamil Nadu government's startup promotion agency. The program provides seed investment along with a year-long accelerator programme to help early-stage startups grow. In exchange for the funding and support, the startup must give a 3% support stake to StartupTN. The funding amount varies by category: up to ₹15 lakh for Green Tech, Rural Impact, and Women-led Startups, and up to ₹10 lakh for startups in other sectors.

This initiative aims to kickstart and support promising startups by combining financial assistance with structured mentorship and resources. It is specifically inviting applications from startups seeking seed funding and support in their growth journey.

• Equity-linked grant of up to ₹10L or ₹15L based on startup category
• Includes a year-long accelerator programme
• 3% support stake required in exchange for funding and support
• Higher funding of up to ₹15L for Green Tech, Rural Impact, and Women-led Startups
• Run by StartupTN, the Tamil Nadu government's startup cell

Eligible startups must be seeking seed funding and willing to provide a 3% support stake to StartupTN in exchange for the grant and accelerator programme. The program is open to startups across various sectors, with higher funding amounts available for Green Tech, Rural Impact, and Women-led Startups (up to ₹15 lakh), while other sectors receive up to ₹10 lakh. There are no specific restrictions on stage, industry, state, entity type, or DPIIT/MSME registration mentioned, but applicants should be early-stage startups that can benefit from the accelerator.

TANSEED 8.0 by StartupTN is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for TANSEED 8.0 by StartupTN closed on 30 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive seed investment of up to ₹10 lakh (for most sectors) or up to ₹15 lakh (for Green Tech, Rural Impact, and Women-led Startups). In addition to the grant, startups gain access to a year-long accelerator programme that includes mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding is provided as an equity-linked grant, meaning the startup gives a 3% support stake to StartupTN.

TANSEED 8.0 by StartupTN is offered by StartupTN, 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.

Application stages and detailed selection process are not specified. However, interested startups can apply via the official form at https://form.startuptn.in/tanseed. Typically, applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for pitches or interviews before final selection.

Before you apply to TANSEED 8.0 by StartupTN, 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.

TANSEED 8.0 by StartupTN is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L – ₹15L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.