Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
What is this?
Helps new startups get early funding so they can turn ideas into real products and grow, filling the gap when they typically struggle to find initial investment.
Objectives
- Provide financial assistance for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialisation, so startups graduate to raising angel/VC investment or bank loans.
Who can apply?
- DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated not more than 2 years ago.
- Technology-enabled product/service/business model, with market fit and scaling potential.
- Not more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support already received under another Central/State scheme.
What do you get?
- Up to ₹20 lakh grant for PoC validation, prototype development, or product trials.
- Up to ₹50 lakh investment for market entry/commercialisation/scaling, via convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments.
How to apply
- Apply via the Startup India Seed Fund portal (note: the source playbook lists 31 May 2026 as the application deadline, with disbursals ongoing — confirm current application-window status before applying).
Key links
Best suited for
Seed / Early-Stage
Common questions
Answers from this page only — not legal or financing advice.
What is SISFS?
Helps new startups get early funding so they can turn ideas into real products and grow, filling the gap when they typically struggle to find initial investment.
Who is this scheme typically for?
DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated not more than 2 years ago. Technology-enabled product/service/business model, with market fit and scaling potential. Not more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support already received under another Central/State scheme.
Does FoundersOffice guarantee approval under this scheme?
No. Scheme pages here are advisory summaries for discovery. Eligibility, amounts, and process change — confirm on the official nodal ministry or scheme portal before applying.
Is FoundersOffice a government site?
No. FoundersOffice Idea Browser is an independent discovery and briefing tool — not affiliated with the Government of India, MSME, KVIC, DIC, or any bank. Nothing here is a sanction, loan offer, or guarantee of subsidy.
Source: “Playbook of Government Schemes and Initiatives for Startups” (Govt of India, June 2026) · verify against the official scheme source before relying on this for a filing.