Startup-specific scheme
NIDHI – Seed Support Program (SSP)
Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Active
Equity
Seed / Early-Stage
ActiveChecked 3 October 2026
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.
The NIDHI – Seed Support Program (SSP) provides early-stage funding and support to innovators to help them develop and validate their ideas, encouraging the creation of viable startups.
Type of support
Equity
Best suited for
Seed / Post-Incubation
How much
Up to ₹1 crore per startup, subject to TBI guidelines
Source
Objectives
NIDHI-Seed Support Program (SSP) aims to provide seed support to deserving incubatee startups, through NIDHI Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEPs) and NIDHI Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
Who can apply?
- Incubatee should be a DPIIT recognised startup with minimum of three months of residency at the STEPs/TBIs. The shareholding by Indian promoters in the incubatee startup should be at least 51%.
What do you get?
- Under the program, the startups are supported primarily for product development, testing and trials, test marketing, mentoring, professional consultancy (to attract professors/experts from institutions to work with startups.), IPR issues and any other area as deemed necessary and recommended by the Seed Support Management Committee of STEP/TBIs.
How to apply
Applications details are released on the website https://nidhi.dst.gov.in/nidhissp/
Key links
Scheme details from the June 2026 playbook, with status re-checked on 3 October 2026. Deadlines, amounts and windows change — verify on the official portal before applying.