DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

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Stage: Seed / early
Indicative amount: Up to ₹20 lakh grant (PoC); up to ₹50 lakh convertible debt

What it is for

Provides early-stage financial support so a startup can move from an idea to proof-of-concept, prototype, product trials, and market entry — bridging the funding gap before a startup is ready for angel or VC investment.

Who can apply

DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated for less than 2 years, working on an innovative product/service/process with a viable, scalable business model.

What you get

Up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for proof-of-concept, prototype development or product trials; up to ₹50 lakh as convertible debt/debt-linked instruments for market entry and scaling — disbursed through an empanelled incubator, not directly by the government.

How to apply

Not currently open for new applications. Check https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in periodically for the next application cycle.

Best suited for

A very early-stage, DPIIT-recognised startup that has an idea or early prototype but no revenue yet, and needs its first outside capital before it can realistically approach angels or VCs.

Official links

SISFS official portal https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in
DPIIT startup recognition (required first) https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/startupgov/startup-recognition-page.html

Summarised from official sources, last reviewed 2026-09-07. Amounts and eligibility are indicative — always confirm against the live scheme guideline before acting.