The Indian Government Is Giving Up to ₹50 Lakhs to Startups — But Most Don’t Know How to Get It: Click to Learn More

India’s Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) offers up to ₹50 lakh in funding to early-stage startups, yet many eligible founders remain unaware or unsure how to apply.

In a significant push to support innovation and entrepreneurship, the Government of India is offering financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh per startup under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). Launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), this scheme aims to bridge the funding gap faced by startups at the prototype, product development, and market entry stages.

What is SISFS?

SISFS is a government-backed initiative that provides financial support to DPIIT-recognized startups through incubators across India. The funding is designed to cover crucial early-stage costs like:

• Prototype development
• Product trials
• Market entry and commercialization
• Proof of concept and MVP testing

What Startups Get

Up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for validation, prototype, and product trials.

Up to ₹50 lakh as convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments for market entry, scaling, or commercialization.

No equity is taken from the startup founders under this scheme.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, a startup must:

• Be recognized by DPIIT
• Be registered in India
• Be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation
• Have a scalable and innovative business idea, especially in tech-first or innovation-driven sectors
• Not have received more than ₹10 lakh in financial grants from any Central/State Government scheme (excluding prizes and subsidies)

How to Apply

Startups must apply via the Startup India portal under the SISFS section:
https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in

Documents Required

• DPIIT recognition certificate
• Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
• Startup PAN and bank details
• Pitch deck
• Details of the core team

Applications are evaluated by partner incubators who then disburse the funds in tranches after due diligence.

Why 99% Miss Out

Despite the generous opportunity, many startups fail to benefit due to:

• Lack of awareness about SISFS
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Weak pitch decks or undefined product-market fit
• Not applying through eligible incubators

If you’re an early-stage founder in India looking for your first round of funding without giving up equity, SISFS is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. But time, clarity, and execution are key.