Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) provides financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market-entry, and commercialization. Eligible startups can apply for the scheme on the Startup India portal. The Seed Fund will be disbursed to selected startups through eligible incubators across India.

A startup, recognized by DPIIT, incorporated not more than 2 years ago at the time of application is invited to apply for the scheme. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found at https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in/about.
To get DPIIT-recognized, please visit https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/startupgov/startup-recognition-page.html

SISFS is a sector agnostic scheme, which means that startups from any sector can apply for the scheme. However, preference would be given to startups creating innovative solutions in sectors such as social impact, waste management, water management, financial inclusion, education, agriculture, food processing, biotechnology, healthcare, energy, mobility, defense, space, railways, oil and gas, textiles, etc. This list of sectors is indicative and not exhaustive.

The incubator preference should be filled at the startup applicants’ discretion. Applicants can choose incubators basis their sector, stage, business needs, and strategic goals. Details of the incubators which are part of the scheme will be available on Seed Fund Portal soon.

The startups shall be selected through an open, transparent and fair process, comprising, inter-alia:

• Startups submit their application on the Startup India portal and an email confirmation is shared with them. Applicants can apply for seed fund to any three incubators selected as disbursing partners for this scheme in order of their preference.
• All applications received will be shared online with respective incubators for further evaluation.
• For all incomplete applications, a prompt of resubmission will be sent to the startup.
• The incubators shall shortlist applicants as per eligibility criteria
• Eligible applications will be evaluated by Incubator Seed Management Committee (ISMC) using the following criteria:
  Criteria Details Weightage (%)

1. Is there a need for this Idea? Market size, what market gap is it filling, does it solve a real-world problem? 
2. Feasibility Feasibility and reasonability of the technical claims, methodology used/ to be used for PoC and validation, roadmap for product development 
3. Potential Impact Customer demographic & the technology’s effect on these, national importance (if any) 
4. Novelty USP of the technology, associated IP
5. Team Strength of the team, Technical and business expertise 
6. Fund Utilization Plan Roadmap of money utilization 
7. Additional Parameters Any additional parameters considered appropriate by incubator 
8. Presentation USP of the technology, associated IP Overall assessment

• Incubator may shortlist applicants based on their evaluation for a presentation before ISMC
• ISMC shall evaluate applicants based on their submissions and presentations and select startups for Seed Fund within 45 days of receipt of application
• Selected startups shall receive seed funding under the respective incubator that selects them as beneficiaries as per their preference shared during application (for example, if incubators at Preference 1 and Preference 2 both select a startup, the funding shall be given by Preference 1 incubator. If Preference 1 incubator rejects and Preference 2 incubator selects, the funding shall be given by incubator at Preference 2, and so on.)
• All applicants will be able to track the progress of their application on the Startup India portal on a real-time basis
• Applicants who are rejected will also be notified through email