Startup India Seed Fund Application Support
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) gives early-stage, DPIIT-recognised startups money for proof of concept, prototypes and first market entry, routed through selected incubators. It is not a bank loan and there is no direct cheque from the government.
One thing to know first: the startup application window closed on 31 May 2026, and incubators were asked to finish their selections by 30 June 2026. We help you check where you stand and get your file ready for the next round.
What it is
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme is run by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Instead of lending to startups directly, it gives money to approved incubators, and the incubators choose which startups to back. A startup applies on the SISFS portal, picks incubators, and pitches to them.
The scheme offers two kinds of support: a grant of up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept, prototype development or product trials, and up to ₹50 lakh in convertible debentures, debt or debt-linked instruments for market entry, commercialisation and scale-up. The incubator decides the exact amount and instrument after its own evaluation.
Who it applies to
Recently incorporated startups
Technology-led ideas
Founders with small prior funding
Why it matters
Money without giving up equity
A credible first signal
Mentoring comes with the money
Documents required
Recognition and company papers
- DPIIT recognition certificate (Startup India registration)
- Certificate of incorporation, PAN and MOA/AOA or LLP agreement
- Shareholding pattern showing Indian promoters at 51% or more
Business case
- Pitch deck and a short product description
- Prototype or validation plan with a milestone-wise budget
- Founder profiles and team details
Financial and declaration
- Bank statements and a note of any government grants already received
- Self-declaration that other government support is within the ₹10 lakh limit
- Past-year financials, if the company has started trading
How it works
Check eligibility and recognition
Build the pitch and a milestone budget
Register and file on the SISFS portal
Support the incubator rounds
Where the scheme stands today
Picture a Faridabad hardware founder who decides in October to apply. She cannot file today. The startup application window ended on 31 May 2026, and incubators were told to complete their selection of startups by 30 June 2026. We have not found an official announcement of a new application cycle. Until one appears, a fresh application cannot be filed.
The closed window is not the end of the road. The same preparation will serve you for the next round or for a private seed round. We use this time to get recognition, financials, the shareholder agreement and the pitch in shape. In the meantime, see our page on fundraising advisory for equity and debt routes that are open now.
Timelines
Application window
Incubator selection
Your preparation
What happens if you are not ready
Application is rejected
Weak budget loses the pitch
Funds are held back
Frequently asked questions
Is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme open right now?
No. The startup application window closed on 31 May 2026 and incubators had until 30 June 2026 to finish selection. We have not found an official announcement of a new cycle, so we cannot file a fresh application today. We can check your eligibility and keep your file ready, so you can move quickly when a new round is announced.
How much money can a startup get under SISFS?
Up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for proof of concept or prototype work, and up to ₹50 lakh as convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments for market entry and scale-up. The incubator decides the exact amount after evaluating your pitch and budget. You do not apply to the government for a fixed sum.
Who is eligible for the seed fund?
A DPIIT-recognised startup incorporated not more than two years before applying, using technology in its core product or model, with Indian promoters holding at least 51%. It must not have received more than ₹10 lakh from other government schemes. We check each point against your papers before you apply.
Do I need DPIIT recognition first?
Yes. SISFS is for DPIIT-recognised startups, so recognition comes before the application. It is applied for on the Startup India or NSWS portal and there is no government fee. We prepare that application too, and the process is explained on our Startup India registration page.
Can a proprietorship or partnership firm apply?
Usually no. DPIIT recognition is open to Private Limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms, and not to proprietorships. If you run a proprietorship and want to qualify, converting to a company or LLP is the clean route. We handle that conversion and the recognition after it.
Is the seed fund a loan I must repay?
The grant part is not repaid. The second part, up to ₹50 lakh, comes as convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments, which carry conversion or repayment terms set in the agreement with the incubator. Read those terms before signing. We go through the agreement with you in plain language.
Do I apply to the government or to an incubator?
You register and apply on the SISFS portal, but the incubators decide. You shortlist incubators that fit your sector, pitch to them, and the selected incubator signs an agreement with you. The scheme money flows through the incubator, not directly from DPIIT to you.
What can we do while waiting for the next round?
Get recognition in place, clean up the cap table, keep books current and build a milestone budget. These are the same things an incubator or private investor asks for. Our team can also look at other funding routes open now, so the wait does not stall your plans.
What it costs
Our fee plus the government fee that applies to your case, quoted before you commit. Tell us the situation and we will price it exactly.
Ready to begin?
Tell us your company age, shareholding and funding so far, and we will tell you where you stand and what to prepare.