Call for

DST-NIDHI Seed Support 2025

Organisation Name:

Department of Science & Technology, National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI)

Application Deadline:

10 July 2025

About Organisation

The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is a flagship programme initiated by the Technology Translation and Innovation (TTI) Division under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. It is designed to support and nurture innovative and knowledge-based startups in India. The programme aims to create a robust ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation across the country, aligning closely with national priorities.

By fostering technology-driven ventures, NIDHI plays a pivotal role in transforming innovative ideas into viable business solutions, thereby contributing to socio-economic growth. It envisions the development of a self-sustaining entrepreneurial environment through wealth creation and employment generation. NIDHI supports incubation centres across India and facilitates early-stage funding, mentorship, and access to industry and academic networks. It serves as a critical bridge between innovation and commercialization, enabling startups to progress from ideation to market-ready stages.

This initiative enhances the startup pipeline within incubators and reinforces their long-term sustainability. The overarching mission is to create an innovation-led economy that can address critical societal needs through science and technology, ensuring that startups have the necessary support to overcome early-stage financial and developmental hurdles.

About the Grant

The NIDHI-Seed Support (SS) Program is a funding initiative aimed at addressing the financial gaps faced by technology-driven startups during their early growth phase. While incubators can provide infrastructure, mentorship, and knowledge support, many startups struggle with raising funds needed for initial product development, prototyping, and market entry. This grant bridges that gap by offering financial support that helps transform innovative ideas into scalable and investable businesses.

The seed support is provided through incubators and serves as a catalyst for startups to reach commercialization or attract investments from venture capitalists and financial institutions. It is structured to assist in areas like proof of concept, product trials, technology validation, and business operations.

The fund is flexible in usage — it can be directed towards product development, raw materials, prototyping, manpower costs, professional services, and limited marketing activities. Up to 10% of the grant may be used for contingencies. This support ensures startups can maintain momentum and achieve important milestones without the immediate pressure of securing external capital.

Overall, the grant helps incubators strengthen their portfolio of successful ventures while increasing the chances of market success for promising innovations with socio-economic potential.

Who can Apply?

The NIDHI-Seed Support Program is open to early-stage startups that meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure genuine innovation and Indian ownership. Applicants must be registered as a Private Limited Company in India, with a minimum of 51% shareholding by Indian promoters. Only those startups that are either registered with the DPIIT or can obtain a DPIIT recognition certificate are eligible for funding.

The startup should not be a result of the splitting or restructuring of an existing business, nor should it be an Indian subsidiary of a foreign or multinational company. Moreover, startups must not have previously received NIDHI Seed Support from any other DST-affiliated incubator. A self-declaration confirming this is mandatory in the application.

Eligible startups must demonstrate a clearly validated Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and possess a strong value proposition for their target market. Founders should showcase clarity of vision with a roadmap, execution capability, and innovation potential. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are considered eligible under Indian status for this program.

Importantly, the grant is not intended for capital expenditure alone and must support broader goals like product development, market readiness, and eventual commercialization.

How to Apply?

Startups must apply through their incubators. Applications undergo a two-stage evaluation process: first, an internal review by subject-matter experts, and then, shortlisted applicants are invited to pitch before an Investment Committee. Evaluation is based on factors like innovation, execution capability, market potential, and revenue roadmap. The application must include necessary declarations and supporting documents to be considered for seed support.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but specific deadlines are defined by the respective incubators. Startups must stay updated with their incubator’s announcements for timely submission.

Last Date to Apply

The final application date is determined individually by each incubator affiliated with the NIDHI-SS Program. It is advised to check with your incubator for the last date to submit applications.

Grant Amount

The seed support amount varies but typically covers costs associated with product development, manpower, mentoring, marketing, and operations. The exact funding is recommended by the incubator’s Investment Committee.