Overview Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the flagship innovation initiative of NITI Aayog, set up to build and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across India. It works at the school, university, startup, and industry levels through a connected set of…
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of funding does SAIP 2026 offer?
SAIP 2026 offers a hybrid funding model. Prototype-stage startups can receive a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹20 Lakh. Growth-stage startups are eligible for up to ₹50 Lakh through convertible instruments (OCD/CCD), with an equity stake ranging from 5-10% upon conversion. Additionally, there is a ₹12.5 Lakh matching co-investment opportunity with partner networks.
Who is eligible to apply for SAIP 2026?
The program is open to individuals, groups of individuals, and both incorporated and pre-incorporated companies. Applicants should be working on innovative products, services, or processes and can be at any stage from idea validation to having paying users or scaling operations. The program is sector-agnostic and welcomes applications from across India.
What is the duration of the incubation program?
The core incubation program runs for an intensive 9 months. Based on a startup's performance and at the discretion of AIC-JKLU, the program duration can be extended by up to 3 additional months. After successful graduation, startups join the AIC-JKLU alumni network for continued support.
Are there any fees associated with the program?
While the application is free, a nominal monthly co-working service charge is levied during the first 9 months of the program. After the initial 9 months, this charge is ₹3,000 + tax per person for continued access to facilities and services. The program aims to provide value while covering operational costs.
What kind of support does AIC-JKLU provide to incubated startups?
AIC-JKLU offers extensive support including business plan development, access to 33+ specialized labs for product development, structured mentor matching with industry experts, networking events with investors and partners, and crucial auxiliary services like legal and accounting support. Startups also benefit from premium co-working space and the flexibility to extend their incubation period.
Is relocation required to participate in the program?
No, physical relocation is not strictly required. The program operates in a hybrid mode, offering both virtual and in-person support. While in-person engagement is encouraged to leverage the full benefits of the labs and co-working space in Jaipur, participation is flexible to accommodate founders from across India.
What is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)?
SISFS is a DPIIT scheme that provides financial assistance to early-stage startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. It was launched on 19 April 2021 with a ₹945 crore corpus, and the funds are disbursed to selected startups through a national network of empanelled incubators.
How much funding can a startup receive under SISFS?
A selected startup can receive up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for proof of concept, prototype development, or product trials (released in milestone-based installments), and up to ₹50 lakh as investment for market entry, commercialization, or scaling up through convertible debentures, debt, or debt-linked instruments. Each instrument can be availed once, so combined support can reach roughly ₹70 lakh.
Is the ₹5 crore figure the amount a startup gets?
No. The ₹5 crore is the grant DPIIT provides to a selected incubator, which the incubator then uses to fund multiple startups. An individual startup receives up to ₹20 lakh as a grant and up to ₹50 lakh as debt or convertible debentures — not ₹5 crore.
Who is eligible to apply as a startup?
A DPIIT-recognised startup incorporated not more than 2 years ago, with an innovative idea that has market fit and scope for commercialization and scaling, technology at its core, and at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding. The startup must not have received more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support under any other Central or State government scheme.
Can an individual entrepreneur apply?
No. Individual entrepreneurs are not eligible. You must apply as an incorporated startup (a registered company), not as a single individual.
How do I apply, and is there a deadline?
SISFS runs year-round calls for startups, so there is no single annual deadline. You apply on the Seed Fund portal (seedfund.startupindia.gov.in) using your Startup India credentials, after obtaining DPIIT recognition. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis — check the portal for the current cycle's cutoff.
Quick Answer
A 9-month sector-agnostic incubation program offering up to ₹20 lakh in grants and up to ₹50 lakh in equity investment for startups at idea to growth stages.
The Sector Agnostic Incubation Program (SAIP) 2026 by AIC-JKLU, supported by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, is a meticulously designed 9-month intensive program aimed at transforming entrepreneurial ideas into successful, scalable ventures. This program targets individuals and groups at various stages, from initial idea conception to prototype development and even those with active users or paying customers.
SAIP provides a comprehensive ecosystem of support, focusing on crucial aspects of startup development. Participants receive expert guidance on business plan development, enabling them to refine their business models, value propositions, and go-to-market strategies. The program also emphasizes product development, offering access to advanced lab infrastructure across design, engineering, and computing. Beyond the core technical and business support, SAIP connects founders with a network of over 43 domain experts for structured mentorship, weekly check-ins, and invaluable networking opportunities within national and international startup ecosystems, investor networks, and industry partners. This holistic approach ensures that entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources, knowledge, and connections necessary to navigate the challenges of building a startup and accelerate their growth trajectory.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for SAIP 2026 is designed to identify high-potential startups and entrepreneurial teams. It begins with an initial screening of all applications by the AIC evaluation committee, composed of internal experts and external advisors. The committee reviews applications based on criteria such as the innovativeness of the idea, market opportunity, business model viability, scalability potential, and the strength and experience of the founding team. Following this, promising applicants may be invited for an in-person discussion or presentation, providing an opportunity for the committee to engage directly with the founders and assess their vision and commitment. The committee then compiles a list of recommended startups, which is presented to the Director of AIC for final approval. The entire process aims to be transparent and merit-based, ensuring that the most promising ventures are selected to benefit from the incubation support.
Benefits & Funding
Amount
₹20 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs
What You Get
The SAIP 2026 program provides significant financial opportunities through a hybrid model of grants and equity investments. For startups at the prototype stage, a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹20 Lakh is available, specifically aimed at validating the product and developing the initial Minimum Viable Product (MVP). For growth-stage companies, the program offers a strategic capital infusion of up to ₹50 Lakh through Optional Convertible Debentures (OCD) or Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCD), designed to facilitate scaling operations and expand market reach. Additionally, all participating startups can benefit from a ₹12.5 Lakh matching co-investment through AIC-JKLU's partner network, enhancing their fundraising capabilities. This comprehensive funding approach is complemented by extensive business plan development support, access to over 33 state-of-the-art labs for product development, structured mentor matching with 43+ domain experts, national and international networking events, and crucial auxiliary services including legal and accounting support. Premium co-working space and flexible incubation tenure further enrich the support stack.
