Innovation Awards Criteria

₹50 LAKHS GRANT FOR STARTUPS - YET 99% ENTREPRENEURS MISS IT As someone who has built businesses both from scratch and with institutional support, I can tell you one thing: knowing how to raise funds is just as important as having a strong idea. Right now, the Indian government is offering up to ₹50 lakhs to early-stage startups under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). This is not a loan. This is not equity. This is a pure grant. Yet, most startup founders I meet are either unaware of this or believe it’s too complicated to apply for. Here’s what every serious founder needs to know: 🔹 You don’t need a market-ready product. You can apply even if you're at the idea or MVP stage. 🔹 You must be an Indian citizen with a startup registered in India, under 10 years old, and working on a tech-first or innovation-first model. 🔹 You must not have received prior government funding under any other central scheme. 🔹 To apply, your startup needs DPIIT recognition (which is free and easy to get at startupindia.gov.in) 🔹 Once recognised, go to https://lnkd.in/g66vuPaf, choose three incubators, upload your pitch deck and necessary documents, and submit your application. As an entrepreneur, I’ve often seen amazing ideas collapse due to a lack of funds and access. What I’ve also seen is that those who invest time in understanding government systems and startup policies go a lot further than those who wait for VCs to knock on their door. If you're working on an idea that solves a real problem, don’t let the lack of capital hold you back. 🔹 Pitch clearly. 🔹 Show why your idea is innovative. 🔹 Prove that your team can build it. 🔹 Keep your documents and vision sorted. India has never been more startup-friendly than it is today. But this window will only benefit those who are proactive and informed. If you’re building, I strongly recommend exploring this scheme. Every founder should know this. Every startup should at least try. A good pitch can open a ₹50 lakh door. Sometimes, that’s all you need to go from idea to execution. Watch this space for more such insights. And if you're someone working on a strong idea, now is the time to build. #startupindia #founders #entrepreneurship #startupfunding #SISFS #governmentgrants #businessstrategy

DST-NIDHI Seed Support 2025 Department of Science & Technology, Government of Indiaprovides Seed Support System (SSS) under National Initiative on Development and Harnessing of Innovation (NIDHI) through SINE, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay It provides seed support to the deserving incubatee start-ups within an incubator, thereby enabling them to take their venture to next level and facilitate towards their success in the market place. The scheme also enables the STEP/TBI to widen their pipeline of start-ups and also share the success of their start-ups which would also result in ensuring the long term operational sustainability of the STEP/TBI. The funds can be used for the following: Product development: Procurement of equipment and tools, prototyping, testing and trials, raw material and consumables, fabrication, outsourcing of technical supports and services for the company’s product. Manpower: Salaries for team members can be apportioned. Marketing: For test marketing, sales, promotions of companies’ products and services including travelling only for business and product promotion. Mentoring: Seeking professional mentoring assistance. Professional services: For legal, accountancy, IP, marketing, strategy, regulatory compliance, certification, or any other justifiable professional services. Contingencies/Overrun:This shall not exceed 10% of the seed support. For any other business operations purpose which needs to be justified in the application itself and as recommended/ approved by the Investment committee from time to time. The applicant must be An Indian registered entity as a private limited company, with a minimum of 51% shareholding by Indian Promoters. The startup should be registered with DPIIT or obtain DPIIT certificate to avail the funding The Start-up should be incorporated as a private limited company The applicant startup should have developed clarity on Unique Selling Proposition (USP) through customer validation and value proposition for its targeted customers. An entity formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business shall not be considered a "Start-up" Support is not meant for-Indian subsidiaries of MNCs/foreign companies. Start-up cannot receive NIDHI Seed funding more than once from any source and from any of the incubators Funding support should not be only for capital expenditure The application should mandatorily include a declaration by applying start-up that they have not received any NIDHI-seed support from any other DST supported incubator. Overseas Citizens of India-OCI and Persons of Indian Origin-PIO are considered as Indian citizens for the purpose of this scheme Details at https://lnkd.in/gW-MKaq3 Apply by 10th July 2025

Capital ! Funds ! Seed Money and so many names but the fact remains that for most startups, lack of capital is the biggest hurdle between an innovative idea and commercial success. Yup, I have been there. I am referring to a situation like this: You’ve got a brilliant idea. Your business model is solid. But without funding that will breathe life into your concept, it will all end before it begins. Raising money isn’t easy but sometimes if you do enough research you never know what you might find. Did you know there is something by the name of "Startup India Seed Fund Scheme" (SISFS). Gimme a hands-up in the comments if you knew about this scheme and if you can, share your experience to help others. It aims to provide the push startups need to move from dream to reality by providing crucial financial support to develop prototypes, test products, and enter the market. The right capital at the right time can be a game-changer for the entrepreneur and the startup’s journey. Like I said earlier it’s not a cake-walk. Are You Eligible? Let’s see some key aspects before you decide to attempt a fund raise from here. DPIIT Recognition → You must be a DPIIT-recognized startup. Not recognized yet? Start here - https://lnkd.in/dpkwZDM7 Incorporated in the Last 2 Years > Your startup should be less than 2 years old at the time of application. Fresh ideas, fresh opportunities! Tech at the Core > Whether it’s your product, business model, or distribution, your startup must be powered by technology that solves real problems. Built for Scale > Your business idea should have a market fit with the potential for commercialization and scalability. If it can grow, we want to know! Focus on Impactful Sectors > Startups innovating in sectors like healthcare, waste management, energy, mobility, education, financial inclusion, and more will have an edge. Impact matters! Minimal Prior Government Support > You must not have received more than ₹10 lakh from other central or state schemes (there are some exceptions here, you better read the fine print). Majority Indian Ownership (Obviously!) > At least 51% of your startup must be owned by Indian promoters. This is about building homegrown solutions for homegrown problems. One-Time Opportunity > You can only apply for seed support once, either as a grant or convertible debenture. Make sure you’re ready to make the most of it! This isn’t just about money; it’s about unlocking potential.  With the right funding, you could be the next startup to revolutionize an entire industry. Visit the SISFS portal (https://lnkd.in/dpkwZDM7) to see how you can turn your idea into a thriving business. All the best!