NIDHI Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)
A programme by iCreate
DST seed support for startups already incubated at iCreate for at least three months, with an MVP ready.
At a glance
| Best for | Startups already incubated at iCreate, with a minimum viable product |
|---|---|
| Stage | MVP, Growth |
| Duration | Incubation period of up to two years |
| Cost | Takes equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | Department of Science and Technology |
About NIDHI Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)
NIDHI-SSS is a national Department of Science and Technology scheme that iCreate administers for its own resident and virtual incubatees — it is not an entry route for new founders.
What you get
- Seed financial support, based on requirement, stage and assessment
- Support for proof of concept, prototype and technology development
- Support for product trials, validation and de-risking
- Support for market entry and commercialisation
- Financing may take the form of equity, a soft loan or an equity-linked instrument
- Disbursement is milestone-based
Who can apply
- Registered in India, preferably with DPIIT registration or a pending DPIIT application
- At least three months of association with iCreate through its resident or virtual incubation programme
- A demonstrated unique selling proposition, validated with customers
- At least 51% of shareholding held by Indian promoters; Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies are not eligible
- Preference given to startups that have not previously received government funding
- The venture is expected to give iCreate a stipulated amount of equity on joining this scheme
How selection works: Application review, shortlisting, a final evaluation and pitching session, then onboarding with a signed non-disclosure agreement.
How to apply: Apply through the online form on the NIDHI-SSS page.
Where to apply
Other iCreate programmes
- iCreate Idea Catalyst (iIC)A short, mentor-guided programme that helps idea-stage founders turn an idea into a business plan.
- Spark-up Idea FundA three-day student bootcamp with a small idea grant, aimed at any student or student team with an early idea.
- iCreate Seed-stage AcceleratorA paid four-week accelerator for founders with a product or service ready to be taken to market.
- iCreate Pro-Fund GatewayiCreate's route into five separate prototype-stage funding schemes, from its own small grant to national and state programmes.
- Pitch to RiseA monthly pitching series held on the last Friday of every month, with prototyping grants for shortlisted projects.
- iCreate Aerodynamic Blade ChallengeAn innovation challenge for fan, rotor and propeller design across aerospace, aviation and home appliances.
- iCreate Lighter Than Air Challenge (iLTAC)A challenge for researchers and startups building balloon and airship (lighter-than-air) technology.
- iCreate Drone ChallengeA recurring challenge for drone-technology innovators; the most recent edition is closed.
- EVangeliseiCreate's electric-vehicle innovation challenge; between editions since 2022.