Application Deadline:
30 July 2026
About Organisation
VentureStudio is a startup incubator that supports innovation-driven entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, incubation, funding opportunities, and access to industry networks. It works closely with startups to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses through structured guidance and investor readiness programs. As an implementation partner for the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, VentureStudio manages the NIDHI Seed Support Programme (SSP) to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem. By combining financial assistance with mentoring, milestone-based monitoring, and business development support, VentureStudio enables early-stage startups to accelerate product development, commercialization, and sustainable business growth.
About the Grant
The NIDHI SSP Seed Support Programme is an early-stage funding initiative supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The programme helps startups bridge the gap between prototype development and market entry by providing financial assistance and strategic support. Funding is primarily used for product development, pilot testing, commercialization, regulatory approvals, intellectual property protection, and technical mentoring. Eligible startups receive milestone-based investments through equity-linked instruments or Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCD). The programme focuses on building investable startups capable of solving significant national challenges through innovative technology-driven solutions.
Who can Apply?
Applications are open to startups registered in India, preferably recognized or applied under DPIIT, with at least three months of association with VentureStudio as resident or virtual incubatees. Applicants must have achieved the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, validated their Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and established a clear value proposition for customers. Indian promoters should hold at least 51% ownership in the startup. Applicants must also have a formal business plan and demonstrate market validation. Indian subsidiaries of multinational companies, non-technology ventures, and startups with significant prior external funding are not eligible.
How to Apply?
Eligible startups should complete the VentureStudio Startup Application Form during the application period. Shortlisted applicants undergo screening, evaluation, and jury assessment before selection. Successful startups sign a legal agreement, define project milestones with VentureStudio, and receive milestone-based funding upon verification. Applicants should ensure they satisfy all eligibility requirements before applying.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 20 November 2024.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
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Application Deadline:
20 November 2024
About Organisation
The Contrapuntal is an independent non-profit publication committed to delivering rigorously researched, accessible, and factually accurate journalism from a ground-up perspective. Inspired by Edward Said’s concept of contrapuntal reading, the publication examines the intertwined histories of colonizers and colonized, offering a nuanced approach to complex global issues. With a focus on political economy, migration, ecology, and culture, The Contrapuntal prioritizes people-centric stories, emphasizing voices often silenced and unpacking the structures that perpetuate such silencing. The platform rejects “objective truth” storytelling and false balance, instead aiming to critique oversimplified narratives, particularly those affecting the Global South. By uniting researchers, journalists, activists, artists, and critical thinkers, The Contrapuntal strives to provide diverse perspectives on contemporary global issues.
About the Grant
The Bridging Narratives Grant is an intersectional initiative funded by the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam. It aims to foster collaborative projects between independent journalists and social scientists, blending academic research and journalism to produce critical, people-centered narratives. The selected projects will address key global themes such as migration, political economy, ecology, and culture, highlighting their local implications through in-depth reporting. The goal is to create high-quality, participatory content that is disseminated through The Contrapuntal’s digital magazine. In addition to financial support, successful applicants will attend a workshop focused on journalism-research collaborations, culminating in an edited volume reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of merging the two fields.
Who can Apply?
The Bridging Narratives Grant is open to applicants from around the world, including India. This opportunity is available to journalists and researchers from all career stages, including academic staff, independent researchers, PhD students, and early-career scholars. The project encourages applications from those engaged with critical issues related to migration, political economy, ecology, and culture, though other relevant themes are also welcome. Both individual and joint applications are accepted. Individual applicants will be paired with a researcher after pitch submission, while journalist-researcher teams can submit joint proposals. Applicants must be committed to collaborative work that merges academic research with investigative journalism to produce impactful, people-centered stories.
How to Apply?
Applicants should submit a short CV (max. 1 page) and a story/research pitch (up to 300 words). Up to two pitches may be submitted, with one being selected for development.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 30 July 2026.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
