Call for Seed Funding Opportunities from Venture Center
Call for Grant Applications -Bridging Narratives Grant Program
Call for Grant Applications -Bridging Narratives Grant Program
About Organisation
Venture Center is India’s leading technology business incubator hosted by CSIR-NCL in Pune. It focuses on science and technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship, helping startups in areas like engineering, materials, chemicals, and biological sciences transition from lab to market. With a mission to foster an ecosystem conducive to innovative problem-solving, Venture Center offers a nurturing environment, mentoring, funding support, and world-class infrastructure to startups and researchers. Its initiatives aim to empower young innovators with the resources and networks needed to build successful enterprises. Over the years, Venture Center has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s innovation ecosystem by supporting breakthrough technologies and fostering a vibrant startup culture. Startups incubated at Venture Center have successfully scaled up, received follow-on investments, and made impactful contributions across sectors such as healthcare, energy, sustainability, and robotics. Through programs like the TDB and NIDHI-SSS seed funds, Venture Center bridges the critical early-stage funding gap, supporting high-potential ideas through piloting and commercialization. The organization remains committed to accelerating India’s transition into a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy by empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and funding needed to thrive in competitive markets.
About the Grant
Venture Center is inviting applications for two sector-agnostic seed funding opportunities aimed at supporting startups and innovators in taking their technologies from the research phase to market readiness. The TDB Seed Fund offers up to ₹25 lakhs, while the NIDHI-SSS Fund provides up to ₹100 lakhs in funding. These programs are designed to facilitate piloting, validation, and early commercialization of innovative products and technologies. The funds are suitable for startups at a stage where their idea has been technically validated and requires support for product development, market launch, or scale-up. By providing crucial early-stage financial assistance, these seed funds aim to reduce the risk of innovation and bridge the gap between concept and commercial success. Past beneficiaries of similar support, such as EyeROV, BatteryPool, and Hydrovert Energy, have successfully scaled their ventures and raised additional funding. This grant is a significant opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to strengthen their startup foundations, access mentorship, and prepare for future growth. The initiative not only boosts startup sustainability but also contributes to India’s broader innovation ecosystem.
Who can Apply?
These seed funding programs are open to early-stage, science and technology-based startups looking to advance their innovations towards market deployment. Applicants must be Indian startups or companies registered under the Companies Act and should preferably be incubated at Venture Center or any recognized incubator. The startup’s technology should be past the idea stage and ready for validation, piloting, or commercialization. Preference is given to companies developing solutions with a significant technological innovation component that aligns with national development goals or addresses critical market needs. The applying entity should not be older than 10 years and must have a clear business plan for using the funds effectively. Additionally, startups should be working in fields such as healthcare, energy, sustainability, engineering, or any other sector where technological intervention can drive impactful outcomes. The applicant team must show technical capability, entrepreneurial commitment, and scalability potential. Applicants with a strong IP strategy, defined market opportunity, and execution plan will be considered favorably. These seed funds are ideal for startups looking to raise non-dilutive capital at a critical early growth stage.
How to Apply?
Eligible startups must fill out the application form through Venture Center’s official funding application portal. Applicants are advised to carefully review fund-specific guidelines, ensure all required documentation is submitted, and reach out for clarification if needed.
Application Deadline
The final date to submit applications for both seed funding programs is 23 June 2025. Ensure timely submission to avoid missing out.
Last Date To Apply
All applications must be submitted on or before 23 June 2025. Late entries will not be considered for evaluation.
Grant Amount
TDB Seed Fund supports startups with up to ₹25 lakhs, while NIDHI-SSS Fund offers up to ₹100 lakhs, depending on the needs and potential of the applicant starts.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
