Proof of Concept Funding
Grant support up to ₹20 lakh for activities like proof of concept, prototype development and product trials via selected incubators.
Startup India Seed Fund
PMEGP
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Central government scheme that provides early-stage funding support to DPIIT-recognised startups
through incubators for proof
of concept, prototype, product trials, market entry and
commercialisation.
Who Can Apply?
✓
DPIIT-Recognised Startup
Must be a DPIIT-recognised startup, incorporated not more than 2 years before the date of application.
✓
Innovation & Scalability
Should have an innovative product or service with clear market fit, commercialisation potential and scope for scaling.
✓
Technology-Driven
Startup must use technology in core product, business model, distribution or methodology to solve the identified problem.
✓
No Prior Large Funding
Should not have raised significant monetary support from other central or state schemes beyond limits specified in SISFS guidelines.
✓
Indian Entity
Company / LLP / partnership registered in India with majority ownership held by Indian founders as per Startup India norms.
✓
Sector & Incubator Fit
Must apply to incubators that align with its sector and satisfy any incubator-specific eligibility criteria.
Key Features
💡
📈
Seed Capital for Scaling
Additional seed funding up to ₹50 lakh through debt or convertible debentures for market entry, commercialisation and scale-up.
🏛️
Incubator-Led Support
Funding routed through approved incubators that also provide mentoring, infrastructure and networking support.
🧑🚀
Early-Stage Focus
Specifically addresses the capital gap for seed and PoC stages so startups can reach angel and VC fundable levels.
🌐
Nationwide Coverage
Implemented across India with many incubators empanelled under the Startup India framework.
🎯
Non-Dilutive Grant Portion
Grant component for PoC is non-dilutive, helping founders validate and build without immediate equity dilution.
Scheme Benefits
Access to early-stage capital when traditional lenders and investors often hesitate.
Seed investment for market entry and scale-up bridges the gap to angel and VC rounds.
Improves credibility of the startup in front of future investors and customers.
Grant funding for PoC and prototype reduces early technical and market risk for founders.
Structured incubator support with mentoring, networks and facilities alongside funding.
Fully online, transparent application and evaluation process through Startup India portals.
Application Process
01
Get DPIIT Recognition
Incorporate your startup and obtain DPIIT recognition on the Startup India portal with valid CIN / LLPIN and other basic details.
02
Prepare Pitch & Documents
Create business plan, pitch deck, financial projections, product details and team profile as required under SISFS.
03
Apply on SISFS Portal
Register and log in to the Startup India Seed Fund portal, choose suitable incubators and submit your online application.
04
Incubator Evaluation & Funding
Incubators evaluate and shortlist startups, sign agreements and disburse grant or seed funds in tranches linked to milestones.
FAQs
Frequently Asked
Questions
Questions
DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated less than 2 years ago with an innovative,
technology-driven solution and clear commercialisation potential can apply
through the SISFS portal.
An eligible startup may receive up to ₹20 lakh as grant for PoC / prototype /
trials and up to ₹50 lakh as seed investment for market entry or scaling,
subject to incubator evaluation.
The scheme combines non-dilutive grant support for early validation and seed
funding through debt or debenture instruments for later-stage activities.
Applications are filed online via the Startup India Seed Fund portal; funds are
sanctioned and routed through selected incubators, not directly from the
ministry to startups.
A startup can usually apply to multiple incubators listed on the portal, and
each incubator independently evaluates the proposal.
Contact
Let’s Build
Intelligent Things
Intelligent Things
E-mail address
Info@naavbharat.com
Phone number
+91 90812 22372