The NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Program) is a central scheme by the Department of Science & Technology providing seed support to Indian startups.
The NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Program) is a central government initiative administered by the Department of Science & Technology. This scheme is designed to channel seed equity capital, typically ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh, directly to early-stage startups across India.
This program operates by collaborating with various empanelled Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). Each TBI is responsible for running its own specific application programs, often referred to as cohorts, which may have distinct sector or entrepreneur focus areas.
Currently, several programs operate under the NIDHI-SSP umbrella, including:
DST-backed seed grant up to ₹50L for DPIIT-registered startups incubated at AIC-RNTU Foundation, bridging development and commercialization.
Equity-based seed funding up to ₹1 Crore for technology startups incubated at PDEU IIC, with mentoring and incubation support.
Recently closed — many schemes re-open each cycle, so these are worth tracking for the next cohort.
IIM Lucknow EIC's NIDHI-SSP offers up to ₹25 lakh in equity funding for DPIIT-registered DeepTech startups incubated or willing to incubate at IIML EIC. Citizens with 51% equity for early-stage.
DST-supported seed grant for VJTI TBI-incubated tech startups in Energy, IoT, Cybersecurity, EV, Semiconductors, or AI/ML.
DST NIDHI Seed Support Programme offers up to ₹50L in equity funding for tech startups at STBI.
Seed funding grant for DPIIT-registered startups incubated at CIBA, up to ₹40L.
Financial aid up to ₹40L plus ecosystem support for early-stage agri-tech startups incubated at AgHub.
DST NIDHI seed funding up to ₹50L via equity/equity-linked instruments for early-stage tech startups at ACIC-VGU Foundation.
Seed funding up to ₹50L for tech startups incubated at ACIC VGU
SINE IIT Bombay's NIDHI Seed Support (NIDHI-SSP) call: equity/CCPS seed funding up to ₹1 crore for DPIIT-recognised startups for prototyping, product trials and commercialization.
Equity-linked seed fund of ₹25L-₹50L by DST for women-led startups at AIC Banasthali, including incubation.
Compare this scheme's programs against the wider funding landscape.