USHUS Seed Grant Program at IIMK LIVE

The USHUS Seed Grant Program is a maritime-focused initiative run by IIMK LIVE in partnership with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). It provides equity-free seed grants of ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh to early-stage startups building innovative solutions in the maritime and allied sectors, including shipping, ports, marine technology, ocean-related innovations, and the blue economy. The program aims to nurture nascent ideas and prototypes into scalable ventures by coupling financial support with virtual incubation, structured mentorship, and ecosystem access. Selected startups also become eligible for follow-on prototype grants of up to ₹1 crore and potential equity investment from CSL. The program is open to startups across India and does not require MSME registration.

• Equity-free seed grant of ₹10 lakh– ₹30 lakh with no equity taken
• Customised for maritime and blue-economy early-stage startups (idea, prototype, MVP)
• Jointly delivered by IIMK LIVE and Cochin Shipyard Limited, a major public-sector shipyard
• Includes virtual incubation and mentorship support from IIMK LIVE
• Top performers may get prototype grants up to ₹1 crore and equity investment from CSL
• Open to private limited, LLP, and partnership entities; MSME/DpIIT reqt explicit NOT required

This seed grant targets early-stage Indian startups operating in the maritime sector or any allied field — covering areas like shipping, vessels, ports, marine logistics, ocean technology, blue economy, and related domains. Your venture should currently be at the idea, prototype, or MVP stage. Eligible legal structures include private limited companies, LLPs, and partnerships. MSME registration is not required, nor is DPIIT recognition mandatory. There are no restrictions on founder background, gender, age, or prior experience. However, the underlying problem and solution must align with the USHUS Maritime Startup Support Program objectives.

USHUS Seed Grant Program at IIMK LIVE is open to startups at the idea and product stage working in logistics mobility. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership.

The most recent application window for USHUS Seed Grant Program at IIMK LIVE closed on 15 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups will receive a non-dilutive, equity-free seed grant in the range of ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh. Beyond the grant, benefits include:

• Virtual incubation through IIMK LIVE's startup support infrastructure
• Structured mentorship from IIMK LIVE faculty and domain experts
• Market-connect assistance to help with customer and partner outreach
• Access to the Cochin Shipyard Limited ecosystem, including industry insights and potential strategic linkages
• Additionally, standout startups may be considered for prototype grants of up to ₹1 crore and possible equity investment from Cochin Shipyard Limited

USHUS Seed Grant Program at IIMK LIVE is offered by IIMK LIVE, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIMK LIVE as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

• Online Application Submission: Applicants submit via the form, providing startup details, problem statement, proposed solution, and team information.
• Review: The joint IIMK LIVE – Cochin Shipyard team reviews applications on problem validity, technology readiness, team capability, market opportunity, and impact potential.
• Selection Committee Shortlisting: Based on review recommendations, the selection committee prepares a final shortlist of startups.
• Due Diligence: Shortlisted startups undergo a due diligence process conducted by IIMK LIVE.
• Agreement & Funding: Post successful due diligence, an grant/ investment agreement is signed and the seed grant amount is disbursed.

Before you apply to USHUS Seed Grant Program at IIMK LIVE, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

USHUS Seed Grant Program at IIMK LIVE is best suited for idea and product-stage logistics mobility startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L – ₹30L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.