DST NIDHI Seed Support System (via IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)
Offered by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park
Overview
The DST NIDHI Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) is an initiative of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under India's Department of Science and Technology, delivered at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) as part of a nationwide network of incubators. It is designed to bridge the early stage funding gap for technology driven startups by providing financial support for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialisation, with investment made in the form of equity in a private limited company.
Eligibility
- Startup must be registered as a private limited company in India
- Indian owned, with a minimum of 51% Indian promoter shareholding
- Must have at least two dedicated entrepreneur-directors
- Must have a formal business plan with a strong technology or knowledge component
- Applicant must be, or become, a resident incubatee at IIMCIP, with at least three months of residency completed before seed fund investment
Funding Purpose
Funds, up to Rs. 50 lakh (averaging around Rs. 25 lakh and able to reach up to Rs. 100 lakh), are meant for product development, testing and trials, test marketing, mentoring, professional consultancy, IPR related work and operational manpower, prioritising product focused, IP rich ventures.
Application Process
Startups must complete three months of residency at IIMCIP before seed fund investment can be made, and funded startups must subsequently provide annual audited financials and monthly progress reports as ongoing conditions of the investment.
How to Apply
- 1Click "Apply Now" above and submit your application directly on the official page.
- 2The offering organisation screens applications against its own eligibility criteria.
- 3Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a pitch or interview round.
- 4The final decision rests solely with the offering organisation.
- 5There is no guarantee of funding at any stage.
Before You Apply
- ZeedFund is an independent tracker, not the offering organisation or a funding body.
- Verify current eligibility, funding amount, and deadline on the official page before applying. Details can change after we last verified them.
- Once you apply, all follow-up (screening updates, interview or pitch invites, and the final decision) comes directly from the facilitator, incubator, or investor, never from ZeedFund. Check their application portal or email yourself for status updates; we won't have visibility into it.