Funding & Investors

Who can apply

DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated not more than 2 years before applying, using technology in their product, service or business model, that had not received more than ₹10 lakh from other Central or State schemes.

How to apply

1. Do not apply now: the portal stopped taking new startup applications on 31 May 2026.
2. If you were already selected, keep meeting the milestones agreed with your incubator to receive the remaining instalments.
3. Watch the Startup India portal and seedfund.startupindia.gov.in for any successor seed scheme.

Who can apply

Individual entrepreneurs and young startups in biotechnology; the applicant must be incubated in an incubator (BIRAC-supported or not).

How to apply

1. Join an incubator if you are not already in one.
2. Watch for the BIG call: BIRAC announces it at least twice a year, typically on 1 January and 1 July, and keeps it open for 30 to 45 days.
3. Apply online only, on the BIRAC website (birac.nic.in), following the current BIG guidelines.

Who can apply

Individual innovators, or DPIIT-recognised startups not more than 5 years old whose turnover never exceeded ₹1 crore in any year.

How to apply

1. Find a PRAYAS Centre near you on the NIDHI PRAYAS portal (nidhi-prayas.org).
2. Apply to that centre when it opens a call, with a clear prototype plan and budget.
3. If selected, build the prototype at or with the centre, which manages the grant and reports to DST.

Who can apply

Indian citizens with a technology business idea who have a 4-year degree, or a 3-year degree or diploma plus 2 years of full-time work experience.

How to apply

1. Find NIDHI incubators that run EIR (programme executing partners) on the NIDHI website.
2. Watch for the incubator's local EIR call.
3. Apply in the format the incubator prescribes, with your idea and education and work details.

Who can apply

DPIIT-recognised startups that have been resident for at least three months at a DST-backed incubator (TBI or STEP), with at least 51% held by Indian promoters.

How to apply

1. Find an incubator that runs NIDHI-SSP; DST publishes the list of these incubators on the NIDHI website.
2. Join it as an incubatee and complete at least three months of residency.
3. Apply to the incubator's Seed Support Management Committee with your product plan and funding need.

Who can apply

IT-based, DPIIT-recognised startups.

How to apply

1. Open the MeitY Startup Hub (msh.meity.gov.in) and see the list of TIDE 2.0 incubators.
2. Pick the incubator that best fits your technology and apply to it.
3. If selected, the incubator releases support in stages as you move from proof of concept to prototype to market.

Who can apply

DPIIT-recognised early-stage space-technology startups that have not received more than ₹50 lakh from any Central or State scheme.

How to apply

1. Watch the 'Announcement of Opportunities' page on the IN-SPACe website.
2. Apply under the seed fund call when it is announced.
3. If selected, plan your work in milestones, because the grant is paid milestone by milestone.

Who can apply

Anyone up to 35 years of age who is a school student, a diploma, vocational, UG, PG or doctoral student or alumnus, or a dropout, working on a new product, process, service or scalable business.

How to apply

1. Check whether your school, college or university is an SSIP participating institution.
2. Submit your proof-of-concept or prototype proposal through your institution's SSIP cell; an institution-level committee screens it.
3. For the larger Srujan Seed Support, apply through i-Hub Gujarat when calls are open.

Who can apply

DPIIT-recognised startups that can raise equity from venture capital funds. Only SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) apply to SIDBI.

How to apply

1. Get DPIIT startup recognition first.
2. Find venture funds that have taken money from SIDBI's Fund of Funds; SIDBI lists its commitments on sidbivcf.in.
3. Pitch to those funds directly with your business plan and numbers; SIDBI does not take applications from startups.
4. If you run a venture fund (not a startup), apply for capital on SIDBI's fund application portal, vcfapplication.sidbi.in.

Who can apply

Biotech, medtech and life-sciences startups in their first phase of operations.

How to apply

1. Check the list of incubators that run the SEED Fund on BIRAC's SEED Fund page.
2. Apply to one of those incubators for incubation and seed investment under its call.
3. Expect to give the incubator equity or an equity-linked instrument in return.

Who can apply

Technology startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, reached through about 50 implementing agencies (incubators, accelerators, universities).

How to apply

1. Check the GENESIS page on the MeitY Startup Hub for the implementing agencies near you.
2. Apply to that agency's startup programme when it opens.
3. Incubators and other ecosystem bodies (not startups) can apply to become implementing agencies through the same page, all year round.

Who can apply

IT-based startups selected by a SAMRIDH-supported accelerator.

How to apply

1. See the list of SAMRIDH accelerators on the MeitY Startup Hub.
2. Choose an accelerator suited to your product and stage, and apply to its cohort.
3. Be ready for valuation-based investment: the matching private money is invested based on your current valuation and growth stage.

Who can apply

Startups building software products or technology solutions; DPIIT-recognised startups are encouraged, and individuals or firms may need to form a private limited company if selected.

How to apply

1. Watch the STPI startup portal (startup.stpi.in) for open calls.
2. Apply online during the call to the STPI centre you want to join.
3. If selected, register as a private limited company if you are not one already.

Who can apply

Innovative startups that want a physical incubator with sector expertise; institutions can apply to AIM to set up an AIC.

How to apply

1. Open AIM's list of established Atal Incubation Centres and find the ones in your state or sector.
2. Visit the AIC's own website and apply to its incubation programme when intake is open.
3. Ask the AIC which seed funds or government schemes it can connect you to.

Who can apply

Would-be entrepreneurs in underserved and aspiring regions; host institutions must be at least 3 years old.

How to apply

1. Look up ACICs on the Atal Innovation Mission website (aim.gov.in).
2. Contact the nearest ACIC through its host institution and join its programmes.
3. Institutions wanting to host an ACIC apply online on aim.gov.in when calls are open.

Who can apply

Startups at any stage that want programmes, mentors and investor access in Hyderabad.

How to apply

1. See the current programmes listed on t-hub.co.
2. Apply to the programme that fits your stage and sector.
3. For AI or machine-learning products, also look at the MATH programme run within T-Hub.

Who can apply

DPIIT-recognised startups that are not in default and not an NPA, borrowing from a lender registered with NCGTC (banks, eligible NBFCs, SEBI-registered AIFs).

How to apply

1. Get DPIIT startup recognition.
2. Approach a bank, NBFC or venture-debt fund that is a member lender under CGSS, or apply through the Jan Samarth portal.
3. The lender checks your business, sanctions the loan and applies for the guarantee on the NCGTC portal; you do not apply to NCGTC yourself.

Who can apply

MSMEs and startups that need machinery, project or working-capital loans; for the state funds, startups registered in that state that can raise venture capital.

How to apply

1. For a direct SIDBI loan, apply on SIDBI's online loan application portal (onlineloanappl.sidbi.in).
2. For MUDRA, Stand-Up India and similar scheme loans, apply through the Udyamimitra portal, which sends your request to lenders.
3. For the UP or Odisha state funds, pitch to the venture funds that SIDBI has backed under those funds (listed on sidbivcf.in).

Who can apply

Innovators and startups in Kerala, from idea stage to growth; company incorporation and a KSUM Unique ID are needed before money is released.

How to apply

1. Register your startup with KSUM to get a KSUM Unique ID.
2. Pick the grant or loan for your stage on KSUM's Early Stage Funding page and apply online when the call is open.
3. If approved, submit documents (KSUM lists incorporation papers, PAN, bank details, CA certificates and recent balance sheets) and sign an agreement with KSUM.
4. Money is released in milestone-based tranches; KSUM says generally 50% first and the rest after a progress review.

Who can apply

Early-stage startups in Karnataka; separate tracks for women-owned (at least 51%), SC/ST founders, startups in Tier-II and Tier-III regions, and minority founders.

How to apply

1. Register as a startup with the Karnataka Startup Cell (Mission Startup Karnataka).
2. Apply online on the official portal when an ELEVATE call is open, choosing the track that fits you.
3. Pitch to the selection panel if shortlisted; selected startups also get mentoring and incubation links.

Who can apply

Startups recognised on the state's StartInUP portal; for the fund, startups registered in Uttar Pradesh.

How to apply

1. Register your startup on the StartInUP portal (being moved to the UP Startup Mission website) and get state recognition.
2. Apply for the incentive that fits your stage (sustenance allowance, prototype grant, seed capital or patent support) through the portal.
3. For equity, pitch to the venture funds backed by the UP Startup Fund, listed on SIDBI's sidbivcf.in.

Who can apply

Startups registered in Tamil Nadu, enrolled with StartupTN and recognised by DPIIT.

How to apply

1. Register your startup with StartupTN and get DPIIT recognition.
2. Watch StartupTN for the next TANSEED edition and apply online during its short window.
3. If selected, agree to StartupTN's 3% stake and join its accelerator programme.

Who can apply

Early-stage entrepreneurs and startups in Maharashtra.

How to apply

1. Follow MSInS (msins.in) for open calls under the new policy and the Maha-Fund.
2. Apply to Maharashtra Startup Week when it opens if you have a working product that a government department could pilot.
3. Keep bills for patents and certifications so you can claim reimbursement under the policy.

Who can apply

Startups in Odisha that meet the fund's criteria and can raise venture capital.

How to apply

1. Register with Startup Odisha and get DPIIT recognition.
2. Find the venture funds backed by OSGF on sidbivcf.in.
3. Pitch to those funds; they decide on investment, not SIDBI or the state.

Who can apply

Early-stage technology-driven companies targeting large markets.

How to apply

1. Prepare a short business plan or pitch deck.
2. Submit it through the 'submit plan' form on IAN's website (iangroup.vc/submit-plan).
3. If shortlisted, pitch to member investors; expect to give equity and to negotiate valuation.

Who can apply

Seed to pre-Series A startups.

How to apply

1. Prepare a pitch deck with traction, team and the amount you want to raise.
2. Apply through the Mumbai Angels website (mumbaiangels.com), or seek a referral from a member or a company it has backed.
3. If shortlisted, pitch to its investors; expect equity dilution.

Who can apply

Early-stage startups looking for angel investors, and startups seeking debt.

How to apply

1. Create a startup profile through LetsVenture's founder sign-up (app.lvxventures.com).
2. Add your pitch, financials and round details so investors on the platform can review them.
3. Respond to interested investors; terms are agreed between you and them.

Who can apply

Startups not promoted by, or related to, a corporate group with turnover above ₹300 crore.

How to apply

1. Ask any angel network or fund for its SEBI registration number and check it on the SEBI website.
2. Pitch to the angel fund like any investor; it decides through its investment process.
3. Read the lock-in and related-party rules: SEBI sets a lock-in on each angel-fund investment.

Who can apply

Startups in agriculture, food, rural business, agri and rural finance, and climate, at venture stage.

How to apply

1. Prepare a pitch deck with revenue, customers and use of funds; these are equity investors, so expect to give up a share of your company.
2. Contact NABVENTURES through the contact page on nabventures.in; the NABARD AgriSURE page does not print an application form.
3. Also approach the 'daughter funds' that AgriSURE has invested in; NABVENTURES lists them on its website.

Who can apply

Startups and growing companies that can offer high growth and are ready to sell a share of the company.

How to apply

1. Check that the fund is registered with SEBI as an AIF before sharing sensitive information or signing anything.
2. Approach funds that invest in your sector and stage, ideally through a warm introduction, with a pitch deck and financial model.
3. Expect due diligence and a term sheet covering valuation, board seats and investor rights; take legal advice before signing.

Who can apply

Unlisted companies, including startups, that raise money by issuing shares above face value.

How to apply

1. For money raised in FY 2024-25 or later, angel tax does not apply; keep share valuation reports anyway for company-law and FEMA filings.
2. For share issues before 1 April 2024, the old rule still governs those years; speak to a chartered accountant about any open assessment.
3. Keep your DPIIT recognition current, since other startup tax benefits depend on it.

Who can apply

Founders thinking of raising money from many small investors through websites or social media.

How to apply

1. Do not offer shares or debentures to the public through websites, ads or social media.
2. If you raise equity privately, keep each round within the private placement rules (named persons, no more than 200 in a year) and file the required forms with the Registrar of Companies.
3. To borrow from many lenders online, use only an RBI-registered NBFC-P2P platform and check its registration on the RBI website.