Overview
What is Startup India Seed Fund Scheme?
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) provides financial assistance to early-stage startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialisation through DPIIT-empanelled incubators.
SISFS provides two types of support: (1) Grants up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept, prototype development, or product trials; (2) Soft loans / convertible debentures up to ₹50 lakh for market entry and commercialisation.
The scheme is disbursed through 945+ empanelled incubators across India. Startups must apply through incubators on the Startup India portal. PrimeWealth Advisory helps prepare a strong application and connects you with the right incubators.
Seed GrantPrototype FundingPoC SupportIncubator NetworkDPIIT Scheme
Benefits
Key Benefits
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Non-Dilutive Funding — Grants (up to ₹20L) don't require equity dilution — free money for early R&D
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Soft Loans — Convertible debentures up to ₹50L at very favourable terms for commercialisation
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Incubator Access — Connect with 945+ government-empanelled incubators, mentors, and industry networks
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Bridge to Larger Funding — Seed fund helps you achieve traction needed for VC/angel rounds
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No Collateral — Purely based on innovation and business potential — no collateral or guarantees needed
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Multiple Tranches — Funding is disbursed in tranches linked to milestones, ensuring disciplined growth
Who Can Apply
Eligibility Criteria
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Am I Eligible?
Check if your business qualifies for Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
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DPIIT-recognised startup (valid recognition certificate mandatory)
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Startup must be incorporated as Pvt. Ltd. or LLP
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Must not have received more than ₹10 lakh under any other central/state govt seed grant scheme
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Start up should be using technology to solve a real problem with a scalable model
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Promoters should hold at least 51% of the equity at the time of application
Documents Required
Required Documents
01
DPIIT Recognition Certificate
02
Certificate of Incorporation
03
Startup's pitch deck and business plan
04
Product/technology description and innovation case
05
Financial projections for 3–5 years
06
Team profiles and LinkedIn of founders
07
Any existing IP (patents pending, copyrights)
08
Customer/market validation evidence
📌 We help prepare the complete pitch deck, innovation narrative, and financial model for your SISFS application.
Process
Step-by-Step Process
1
DPIIT Recognition
Ensure your startup has valid DPIIT recognition — the gateway to all Startup India benefits.
2
Incubator Selection
We help identify the most suitable DPIIT-empanelled incubator for your sector and geography.
3
Application Preparation
We prepare the complete SISFS application — pitch deck, innovation case, financial projections, and milestones.
4
Incubator Submission
Submit through the chosen incubator on the Startup India portal — each incubator reviews applications.
5
Incubator Evaluation
Incubator's selection committee evaluates the application; shortlisted startups present to the committee.
6
Seed Fund Disbursement
Approved startups receive funding in milestone-linked tranches from the incubator. We track milestones with you.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SISFS grant or loan?+
SISFS provides both: grants up to ₹20 lakh for PoC/prototype (non-repayable) and soft loans/convertible debentures up to ₹50 lakh for commercialisation (repayable under favourable terms).
Can we apply to multiple incubators?+
Yes, you can apply to multiple empanelled incubators simultaneously to improve your chances of selection.
Is this scheme only for tech startups?+
No. SISFS covers all innovative startups — agritech, healthtech, edtech, social impact, manufacturing innovation, and more. The key criterion is innovation and scalability.
Can a pre-revenue startup apply?+
Yes. SISFS is specifically designed for early-stage, often pre-revenue startups that need seed funding to develop their product and achieve initial traction.
What happens if we receive SISFS and later raise VC funding?+
In the case of convertible debentures, the soft loan converts to equity when you raise a priced round — at a favourable valuation for the incubator. Grants don't need repayment.
Can we re-apply if rejected?+
Yes. You can reapply through the same or different empanelled incubators after strengthening your business model and addressing feedback.
Ready to Get Started?
Expert assistance — complete Startup India Seed Fund Scheme from start to finish.
⚡ Fast Processing
✓ 97% Success Rate
🔒 100% Secure
