Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
DPIIT, Government of India
Gave young DPIIT-recognised startups seed money through approved incubators across India. It paid a grant for proof of concept and prototypes, then debt or convertible debentures for market entry. New startup applications have now closed, and money already approved is still being paid out.
What you can get
Up to ₹20 lakh as a grant, plus up to ₹50 lakh as convertible debentures or debt
Do you repay it?
See official page
Type
Seed funding
Where
All of India
Current status
The portal shows a final extended notice: startups could apply until 31 May 2026 and incubators had to finish selection by 30 June 2026. The June 2026 Startup India playbook says disbursals are ongoing. No successor scheme was found. Published deadline: 31 May 2026.
Who it was for
- Recognised by DPIIT
- Incorporated not more than 2 years before applying
- Technology used in the core product, service or business model
- Not more than ₹10 lakh of other Central or State scheme money, with prizes and free workspace not counted
How it worked
- 1New startup applications are closed, so you cannot apply now
- 2Watch the portal and DPIIT for any successor scheme
- 3If already selected, deal with your incubator on milestones and releases
The catch
This is closed to new startups, though many blogs still list it as open. The original rupee limits were per startup through an incubator, and each incubator set its own bar and released money in milestones.
We read this on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm there before you apply. Founders Wing is not connected to this scheme, does not help with applications and never charges for access to it.