Last updated: 16 Jun 2026
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme supports early startups with a grant OR convertible debt — by stage, never both.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) backs very early startups through approved incubators. It provides support in two distinct forms — and you access one or the other depending on your stage, not both together.
Grant — for proof of concept
A grant of up to ₹20 lakh supports validation, prototype development and proof of concept. It is a grant, not a loan, used to get an idea to a working stage.
Convertible debt — for market entry
Up to ₹50 lakh of convertible debt (or debt-linked instruments) supports market entry, commercialisation and scaling — for startups that have a product and need to grow.
These are alternatives, not a stack
A startup is supported through one instrument appropriate to its stage. The two amounts are never summed or combined — think of it as a grant OR convertible debt, by where you are.
Who qualifies
- DPIIT-recognised startup
- Incorporated not more than two years ago at application
- A business idea with a market fit and scalability
- Not having received more than a limited amount of monetary support under other central/state schemes
How to apply
Applications go through SISFS-approved incubators on the Startup India portal. The selection and the instrument depend on your stage. We help you position the application and pick the right incubator.