Startup India Seed Fund
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
Seed funding for DPIIT-recognised startups for proof of concept, prototype, trials and market entry.
Up to ₹50 LakhFunding supportGrant ₹20L + debt ₹50LIncentiveseedfund.startupindia.gov.inOfficial portal
Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised startup incorporated not more than 2 years ago
- Business idea with market fit and scope for commercialisation
- Not received more than ₹10L monetary support from other government schemes
- At least 51% Indian promoter shareholding
Key benefits
- Up to ₹20L grant for proof of concept / prototype
- Up to ₹50L via convertible debentures or debt for commercialisation
- Incubator mentoring
Documents needed
- DPIIT recognition certificate
- Pitch deck & business plan
- Incorporation certificate
- Cap table
How to apply
- Get DPIIT recognition
- Apply to up to 3 incubators on the portal
- Incubator Seed Management Committee evaluation
- Milestone-based disbursal
Am I eligible for Startup India Seed Fund?
1What are you looking for?
2What's your business type?
3How much funding do you need?
4How old is the business?
5Owner category
Frequently asked
Is the money equity?
The proof-of-concept tranche is a grant; the commercialisation tranche is debt or convertible instruments.
Related schemes
Venture DebtCredit Guarantee for StartupsGovernment guarantee on loans and venture debt to DPIIT-recognised startups from banks, NBFCs and AIFs.Up to ₹20 CroreView →Up to ₹1.5 Cr GrantiDEX / SPARK GrantNon-dilutive grants for startups and MSMEs building defence and aerospace prototypes.Up to ₹1.5 CroreView →100% Tax Holiday80-IAC Tax Exemption100% deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years out of the first 10 for eligible startups.100% tax exemptionView →
Information summarised from official guidelines; limits change — always verified against seedfund.startupindia.gov.in before filing.