🛠️ Tool
India
Free
Intermediate
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Official Portal
From Seed Fund Portal (seedfund.startupindia.gov.in) by DPIIT, Government of India Application portal
Why we picked it
SISFS is the most accessible non-dilutive cheque for early Indian startups, and this is where you actually apply. It's genuinely founder-friendly: you apply through incubators, not a government office, and grant money for proof-of-concept has no equity strings.
- Up to INR 20 lakh as a grant for proof-of-concept, prototype development, and product trials, this portion is truly non-dilutive.
- Up to INR 50 lakh via convertible debentures / debt for market entry, commercialisation, and scaling.
- Eligibility: DPIIT-recognised and incorporated not more than 2 years before applying; you can apply to up to 3 approved incubators.
- Applications flow through the incubator, so choosing an active incubator with a strong track record is half the battle.