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The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) provides crucial financial support to early-stage startups to help them turn their ideas into viable businesses. The Seed Fund is aimed at helping startups in their early growth stages by covering initial costs related to product development, market entry, and scaling.

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Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. This would enable startups to graduate to a level where they will be able to raise investments from angel investors or venture capitalists or seek loans from commercial banks or financial institutions.

Objectives of SISFS

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has several key objectives aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the growth of early-stage startups in India. These objectives include:

1. Support for Early-Stage Startups
Provide financial assistance to startups in the idea and early development stages, enabling them to turn their innovative concepts into reality.
2. Promote Innovation
Encourage startups to develop innovative solutions across various sectors, particularly in areas that impact the economy and society, such as technology, healthcare, agriculture, and more.
3. Create a Strong Startup Ecosystem
Build a vibrant and sustainable startup ecosystem by providing seed funding to promising startups, leading to a ripple effect of growth and job creation.
4. Reduce Financial Risk
Help startups mitigate financial risk by offering early-stage funding for product development, market entry, and other essential activities, making them more attractive for future investments.
5. Encourage Incubation
Foster incubator-driven startup support by channeling seed funding through recognized incubators, which provides startups access to additional mentorship, resources, and infrastructure.
6. Boost Employment and Economic Growth
Contribute to job creation and economic growth by supporting startups that have the potential to scale and create large-scale employment opportunities.
7. Promote Inclusive Growth
Encourage the participation of startups from non-metro cities and underrepresented sectors, promoting inclusive growth across regions and sectors of India.
8. Foster Sustainable and Scalable Businesses
Support startups that focus on developing sustainable and scalable solutions, with the potential to create long-term impact and value in the market.

Eligibility Criteria

2The startup must have a business idea to develop a product or a service with a market fit, viable commercialization, and scope of scaling.

3The startup must have a business idea to develop a product or a service with a market fit, viable commercialization, and scope of scaling.

4Startup should not have received more than Rs 10 lakh of monetary support under any other Central or State Government scheme. This does not include prize money from competitions and grand challenges, subsidized working space, founder monthly allowance, access to labs, or access to prototyping facility.

5Shareholding by Indian promoters in the startup should be at least 51% at the time of application to the incubator for the scheme, as per Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.

6For Grant, preference would be given to startups creating innovative solutions in sectors such as social impact, quality education, clean and affordable energy, clean water and sanitation, zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, assistive technology, etc.

Details & Documents Required Startup India Seed Fund Application

Startup India Seed Fund Application can only be filed after all the minimum requirements are met. These include incorporating the business, obtaining DPIIT Recognition, and having active contact information. Additionally, since the application is filed online, all necessary documents have to be uploaded with it in their digital formats. The table below provides a complete list of minimum requirements as well as documents to apply for Startup India Seed Fund.
Minimum RequirementsDetails & Documents
  •  Certificate of Incorporation
  •  DPIIT Recognition Certificate
  •  Login Credentials for Startup India Portal
  •  An Active Mobile Number
  •  An Active Email Address
  •  A Selection of Incubators for Application
  1. CIN & Date of Incorporation
  2. Business PAN
  3. Registered Office Address
  4. Details of Products/Services
  5. Employee Details
  6. Fund Deployment Plan
  7. Incubator Preference
  8. Video link describing product/business model
  9. Proof of Authorization (Any one)
    • Board Resolution
    • Authorization Letter
    • Power of Attorney

Benefits of Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) was launched by the Government of India to support early-stage startups with financial assistance, enabling them to develop and scale their ideas into viable businesses. Here are some of the key benefits of the scheme:

1. Financial Support

  • Provides initial capital to startups for product development, proof of concept, prototype development, market-entry, and commercialization.
  • Startups can receive funding of up to ₹50 lakh, which can be a game-changer for new businesses struggling to secure funds in the early stages.

2. Wide Range of Startups Eligible

  • The scheme supports startups across various sectors, promoting diversity and innovation.
  • Includes startups at various stages—idea-stage, prototype-stage, and commercialization-stage businesses—providing funding options according to their specific needs.

3. Non-Dilutive Funding

  • The funds provided through the scheme are grants or debt-based funds and do not require startups to give up equity or ownership in their companies. This is crucial for founders who want to retain full control of their business.

4. Mentorship and Guidance

  • Startups selected for the scheme often have access to mentorship and guidance from experts in business development, product design, marketing, and legal affairs, helping them navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls.

5. Encouragement of Innovation

  • The scheme promotes innovation by focusing on startups that develop novel solutions in sectors like healthcare, technology, education, agriculture, and more.
  • It fosters an environment where startups can experiment, innovate, and bring groundbreaking ideas to market.

6. Boost to Economic Growth and Job Creation

  • By supporting startups in their early stages, the scheme helps create new job opportunities and contributes to economic growth, particularly in sectors critical to India’s future.

7. Nationwide Coverage

  • The scheme is designed to ensure inclusivity and support for startups from across the country, including those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where access to venture capital might be limited.

8. Simplified Application Process

  • The application process is straightforward, with an easy-to-navigate online platform that provides transparency and ease of access for all potential applicants.
  • Applications are reviewed by incubators that are part of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, ensuring a robust evaluation process.

9. Enhanced Startup Ecosystem

  • The scheme strengthens India’s startup ecosystem by encouraging more collaboration between incubators, startups, and investors, leading to a more vibrant entrepreneurial culture.

10. Reducing the Risk for Startups

  • By providing crucial early-stage funding, the scheme helps reduce the financial burden on startups, allowing them to take risks and pursue ambitious projects with less fear of failure.

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme is a significant initiative aimed at nurturing innovation and fostering the growth of new-age businesses in India, providing startups with a much-needed push in the initial stages of their journey.