Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Quick Scheme Parameters
Who is this scheme for?
- ●Early-Stage Startups (<2 Years Old)
- ●Tech Innovators
- ●DPIIT-Recognized Startups
- ●Student & First-Time Founders
SEVA is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with or operated by the Government of India or any government department. Scheme eligibility, benefits, deadlines and application requirements may change. Always verify information through the relevant official government source before applying.
01 // What is Startup India Seed Fund (SISFS)? (Overview)
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) provides financial assistance to early-stage DPIIT-recognized startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market-entry commercialization, and initial operational scaling.
Who Can Apply & Eligibility Requirements
- ✓DPIIT-recognized startup incorporated not more than 2 years prior to application date
- ✓Must have a viable business idea to develop a product or service with market fit, viable commercialization, and scope of scaling
- ✓Should use technology in its core product or service, or business model
- ✓Should not have received more than ₹10 Lakhs of monetary support under any other Central or State Government scheme (excluding prize money)
- ✓Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding in the startup
Who is NOT Eligible?
- ✕Startups incorporated for more than 2 years at the time of application
- ✕Entities operating as standard retail, trading, or franchise units without proprietary technology or scalable innovation
- ✕Startups with foreign promoter majority shareholding (>49%)
- ✕Startups that have already raised more than ₹10 Lakhs from other government grants
02 // Benefits & Financial Assistance / Subsidy Structure
Up to ₹20 Lakhs as a non-dilutive grant for Proof of Concept / Prototyping; Up to ₹50 Lakhs via convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments for commercialization.
| Beneficiary / Project Tier | Government Subsidy / Cover | Key Terms & Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Concept (PoC) & Prototype Grant | Up to ₹20 Lakhs (Grant) | 100% milestone-based grant for validation of idea, prototype build, and user trials. Non-dilutive. |
| Market Entry & Commercialization Support | Up to ₹50 Lakhs (Debt/Convertibles) | Disbursed via convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments with up to 10-year tenure to scale go-to-market operations. |
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03 // Required Documents Checklist
04 // How to Apply (Step-by-Step Application Process)
Obtain DPIIT Recognition
Register your company on the Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in) and obtain your official DPIIT Recognition Certificate.
Apply on SISFS Portal
Log in to the SISFS portal (seedfund.startupindia.gov.in) and fill in the online application form with your business model, traction, and funding requirement.
Select Incubators
Select up to 3 approved partner incubators across India that match your industry domain and geographical preference.
Incubator Evaluation & Pitch Session
Selected incubators evaluate your application and invite shortlisted founders for a virtual or in-person pitch presentation before their Investment Committee.
Grant / Seed Fund Disbursement
Upon approval, the incubator enters into a legal agreement and disburses the seed funds in milestone-linked tranches directly into your company bank account.
05 // Official Government Sources & Application Portals
Startup India Seed Fund Portal
Central portal to apply for seed funds, select incubators, and monitor application status.
Startup India Hub
Central government hub for DPIIT recognition, tax exemptions, and mentor networks.
myScheme SISFS Directory
National government portal summarizing scheme parameters and guidelines.
06 // Frequently Asked Questions About Startup India Seed Fund (SISFS)
Does DPIIT take equity in the startup under SISFS?
No. The Government of India and DPIIT take zero equity. The ₹20 Lakhs prototype funding is a 100% non-dilutive grant. Commercialization funds up to ₹50 Lakhs are issued via incubators as debt or convertible debentures.
Can a single founder with an idea apply without a registered company?
No. You must have a registered Private Limited Company or LLP with DPIIT recognition before you can submit an application on the SISFS portal.
How long does the incubator selection and evaluation process take?
The evaluation process typically takes 30 to 45 business days from the date of submission, depending on the scheduling of the incubator Investment Committee meetings.
07 // Related Government Schemes
Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a premier credit-linked subsidy initiative launched by the Government of India to generate sustainable self-employment opportunities across manufacturing and service sectors in rural and urban areas.
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)
The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) facilitates third-party collateral-free credit from scheduled commercial banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions to new and existing micro and small enterprises by providing credit guarantee cover up to 85%.
MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme
The MSME Sustainable (Zero Defect Zero Effect - ZED) Scheme incentivizes manufacturing micro, small, and medium enterprises to adopt world-class quality manufacturing processes while minimizing environmental impact.
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