Startup India Seed Fund (SISFS)
Access milestone-based grants for proof of concept and debt/convertible funding for market entry and scale through DPIIT’s incubator-led Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.
What is SISFS?
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme provides early-stage startups with financial assistance for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization via an incubator-driven process administered by DPIIT.
Startups may receive up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for PoC/prototype/product trials and up to ₹50 lakh as investment through convertible debentures or debt/debt-linked instruments for market entry and scaling.
Focused
Secure
Fast
Trusted
Why choose our SISFS support?
Non‑Dilutive Grants
Milestone-based grants up to ₹20 lakh for PoC, prototyping, and product trials via empanelled incubators
Unsecured Debt/Convertibles
Up to ₹50 lakh with interest not exceeding repo rate, tenure ≤60 months, up to 12 months moratorium, and no promoter/third‑party guarantee
Time‑Bound Release
First grant instalment to selected startups within 60 days from application receipt, subject to incubator milestones
Sector Priorities
Preference for tech‑led innovations in impact sectors like healthcare, agri/food, energy, mobility, and more
Incubator‑Led Execution
Selection, agreements, milestone tracking, and fund release are executed by recognized incubators
Compliance‑Ready
Support for utilization certificates, progress reporting, and adherence to scheme conditions
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
- DPIIT‑recognized startup incorporated not more than 2 years before the application date
- Technology used in core product/service/business model or delivery methodology
- Preference for solutions in listed priority sectors
- Not received more than ₹10 lakh monetary support from other Central/State schemes (with specified exceptions)
- At least 51% shareholding by Indian promoters at the time of application
Conditions
- Grant strictly for PoC/prototype/trials; not for creation of facilities
- Debt/convertible funding terms: ≤repo rate interest, tenure ≤60 months, moratorium up to 12 months, unsecured, no guarantees
- Milestone‑based disbursement under a legal agreement with the incubator
- Funds are credited to the company bank account with periodic utilization reporting
- Seed support can be availed once in each category (grant and debt/convertible) as per scheme
Simple Application Process
Apply on Portal
Submit application on the Startup India Seed Fund portal and select preferred incubators
Evaluation
Incubators assess eligibility, tech readiness, market fit, and alignment with sector priorities
Agreement & Milestones
If selected, sign a legal agreement defining milestones and permitted use of funds
Disbursement & Reporting
Receive milestone‑linked tranches; submit progress updates and utilization certificates
Apply on Portal
Submit application on the Startup India Seed Fund portal and select preferred incubators
Evaluation
Incubators assess eligibility, tech readiness, market fit, and alignment with sector priorities
Agreement & Milestones
If selected, sign a legal agreement defining milestones and permitted use of funds
Disbursement & Reporting
Receive milestone‑linked tranches; submit progress updates and utilization certificates
Required Documents
Document Checklist
Important: Incubators may specify additional documents; all disbursements and reporting must follow the signed milestone agreement and scheme guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get SISFS‑Ready
Prepare a compliant application, select aligned incubators, and structure milestones to accelerate disbursement and validation.
₹500Cr+
Funded
20K+
Businesses
95%
Success Rate