Startup India Seed Fund (SISFS)Grants up to ₹20L • Investment up to ₹50L
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.
- DPIIT-recognized startup and ≤2 years at application
- ≤₹10 lakh prior government funding (certain supports excluded)
- ≥51% shareholding by Indian promoters at application
- Milestone-based disbursement and incubator agreement
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
Required Documents
- DPIIT recognition proof and Certificate of Incorporation
- Company bank account details for fund receipt
- Declaration on prior government funding within the ₹10 lakh limit as applicable
- Shareholding details evidencing ≥51% Indian promoter ownership at application
- Interim/final utilization certificates and progress reports as per milestones
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
Follow-up & Support
After disbursement, regular follow-ups and support may be provided to ensure milestones are met and challenges are addressed.
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
Follow-up & Support
After disbursement, regular follow-ups and support may be provided to ensure milestones are met and challenges are addressed.
Disbursement & Reporting
Receive milestone‑linked tranches; submit progress updates and utilization certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
Get SISFS‑Ready
Prepare a compliant application, select aligned incubators and structure milestones to accelerate disbursement and validation.