NIDHI-Accelerator
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
No change found in Oct 2026 checks; terms as per the June 2026 playbook. Confirm the current call/window on the official link before applying.
Note: this scheme funds incubators and institutions. Startups benefit indirectly — through the incubators it supports.
NIDHI-Accelerator helps incubators run short, intensive programs that give promising startups mentoring, networks, and demo-day support so they can grow faster.
Objectives
The umbrella programme ‘National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI)’ developed in 2016 aims to nurture the innovation ecosystem in India. Key components of the NIDHI program are outlined in the following sections. NIDHI Accelerators are positioned as post-incubation initiatives linked with the existing incubators to supplement, complement the scaling up of the startup value chain. Under the programme, DST encourages its existing TBIs and other incubators to extensively adopt and evolve the accelerator mode. It aims to fast track the growth of potential startups through rigorous mentoring and networking support in a short span through existing TBIs.
Who can apply?
- TBIs previously funded or currently funded by DST or any other Central or State government with a minimum 3 years in existence, having nurtured and incubated at least 20 startups in multiple domains.
What do you get?
- Contribution towards the overall budget for running accelerators shall not exceed ₹40 lakh per program of one cohort. It is further divided into two categories:
- Accelerator Program with a maximum limit of ₹30 lakh, that includes manpower, logistics, travel, mentoring, infrastructure, training, and all other cost.
- Demo Day Award with maximum budget of ₹10 lakh where top 3 to 5 startups of the batch are awarded on the basis of their performance/achievements during the accelerator program.
How to apply
Visit the online portal https://nidhi.dst.gov.in/