NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Programme)
Funding up to INR 100 Lakhs
Please refer to the official NIDHI-SSP guidelines before applying. If you have any questions or need clarification, please write to us at [email protected].
Purpose
The NIDHI Seed Support Programme (SSP) provides early-stage investment to startups. The funding is aimed at helping startups transition from prototype to market-ready products by supporting activities such as product development, trials, and initial market entry.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, this scheme plays a critical role in helping promising startups become investable ventures.
Who Can Apply
For Startups
- Must be a company registered in India, preferably DPIIT registered/applied
- Should have completed a minimum three months of association with the incubator (resident or virtual)
- Must have developed clarity on Unique Selling Proposition through customer validation
- Must have established value proposition for targeted customers
- The shareholding by Indian promoters in the startup should be at least 51%
- Indian subsidiaries of MNCs/foreign companies are not eligible
- Should have a formal business plan for the idea they intend to pursue
Who Cannot Apply
You are not eligible if:
- Startups that have not achieved a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage
- Startups without a clear path to generating returns
- Startups that have already received substantial external funding
- Entrepreneurs pursuing non-technology business ideas
- Indian subsidiaries of MNCs/foreign companies
Benefits of the Programme
- Investment Size: Typically between INR 20 to INR 50 lakhs (exceptionally up to INR 1 crore).
- Mode of Support: Funding is provided via a Compulsorily Convertible Debenture (CCD) or equity-linked instrument.
- Support Scope: Covers scale-up, commercialisation, market trials, regulatory approvals, and technical mentoring.
Preference Areas
- Product-based startups in FinTech, CleanTech, AgriTech, Healthcare, and Impact-for-profit.
- Startups solving high-priority national challenges.
- Founders demonstrating clarity of value proposition and market validation.
What the Funds Can Be Used For
- Product and technology development
- Market entry and pilot testing
- Regulatory testing or certifications
- IP filings, mentoring, and consultancy
- Limited technical hiring (with caps)
- Note: Not more than 10 per cent of the fund should be used for team salaries.
Prohibited Usage of Funds
- Loan repayments or debts of promoters
- Buying shares, dividends, or creating personal assets
- Inter-company deposits or speculative investments
- Travel unrelated to business development
- Promoter benefits or unrelated hiring
Terms and Conditions
- The funding is milestone-based and disbursed in tranches.
- Agreement required between the startup and VentureStudio before disbursal.
- Monitoring includes submission of periodic reports and achievement of milestones.
- Repayment terms (if debt is used) are generally coterminous with incubation period, extendable up to 5 years with a possible 12-month moratorium.
Implementation at VentureStudio
VentureStudio implements NIDHI-SSP through a transparent, structured process:
- Application and Screening: Open calls for proposals via website/social media.
- Evaluation by team and jury
- Agreement: Selected startups sign a CCD-based legal agreement.
- Milestone Definition: Startup and incubator co-define project deliverables.
- Fund Disbursement: Tranches are released based on milestone verification.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Regular tracking, reporting to DST, and support for investor readiness
Ready to Apply for NIDHI-SSP?