Nidhi Startup Seed Support Scheme is a grant from Kerala Startup Mission for the applicant must be a company registered in India, preferably DPIIT-recognised, with at least 3 months of association with an…. It provides From Rs 25 Lakhs to Rs 1 Crore, for pan-sector, incubator-graduated startups. Applications are open; confirm the closing date on the official page. Last verified against the official page on 22 September 2026.
Key facts
| Amount / benefit | From Rs 25 Lakhs to Rs 1 Crore |
|---|---|
| Provider | Kerala Startup Mission |
| Where | Kerala |
| Stage | Early Revenue, Proof Of Concept, Prototype |
| Sector | Pan-sector, incubator-graduated startups |
| Deadline | Applications open; confirm the closing date on the official page |
| Funding range | Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 100 lakhs |
| Disbursement | Installment basis, after agreements are signed with KSUM |
| Minimum incubation association | 3 months, resident or virtual incubation programme |
| Minimum Indian promoter shareholding | 51% |
| Selection body | NIDHI-Seed Support Management Committee (NIDHI-SSMC), on Expert Committee recommendation |
| Parent scheme / nodal body | NIDHI, National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India |
| Kerala implementing agency | Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) |
What is NIDHI Seed Support Program?
The NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is a Government of India scheme run by NSTEDB under the Department of Science and Technology. In Kerala it is delivered by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). It funds the stretch between an idea and its first sales -- proof of concept, prototype, product validation, market trials, initial market entry and commercialization -- with support from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 100 lakhs, disbursed in installments.
To apply, a startup must be registered in India, preferably DPIIT-recognised, with at least 3 months in an incubator's resident or virtual programme, a Unique Selling Proposition validated with customers, and at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding. It excludes Indian subsidiaries of MNCs and foreign companies; preference goes to startups with no prior Government of India or state funding.
KSUM's process has four stages: an online application (incomplete forms are rejected); a one-to-one evaluation call and initial pitch with KSUM representatives; a final pitch before the NIDHI-Seed Support Management Committee (NIDHI-SSMC); and, on selection, signed agreements followed by fund disbursal in installments.
Who is eligible for NIDHI Seed Support Program?
The applicant must be a company registered in India, preferably DPIIT-recognised, with at least 3 months of association with an incubator's resident or virtual programme, a customer-validated Unique Selling Proposition, and at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding.
You qualify if:
- You qualify if your startup is a company registered in India, preferably DPIIT registered/applied, with at least 3 months of association with an incubator's resident or virtual incubation programme.
- You qualify if your startup has developed clarity on its Unique Selling Proposition (USP) through customer validation and a value proposition for its targeted customers.
- You qualify if Indian promoters hold at least 51% of the shareholding in the incubated startup.
You are not eligible if:
- Your startup is an Indian subsidiary of a multinational corporation, or a foreign company (persons holding OCI/PIO status are treated as Indian citizens for this scheme).
- Indian promoters hold less than 51% of the shareholding.
How much does NIDHI Seed Support Program give, and in what form?
From Rs 25 Lakhs to Rs 1 Crore.
How to apply for NIDHI Seed Support Program
- Submit the application form and required documents online through the KSUM website (incomplete forms are rejected).
- Attend a one-to-one evaluation call with KSUM representatives, followed by an initial pitch; submit any additional documents the committee requests along with the final pitch deck (Fund Utilisation Plan, Project Plan with milestones and timeframe).
- Deliver a final pitch before the NIDHI-Seed Support Management Committee (NIDHI-SSMC); selection is based on the Expert Committee's recommendations.
- Selected applicants submit all documents and sign the necessary agreements with KSUM; fund disbursal is initiated on an installment basis.
Documents required for NIDHI Seed Support Program
- Fund Utilisation Plan
- Project Plan with milestones and timeframe
- Final pitch presentation (PPT)
- Any additional documents requested by the NIDHI-SSMC committee
- Signed agreements with KSUM (on selection)
Related programmes
Browse similar grant programmes. See all kerala startup and msme schemes. CapEasy handles this under Fundraising advisory. CapEasy handles this under Startup India and DPIIT recognition.
Source and verification
Official programme page: startupmission.kerala.gov.in. Last verified 22 September 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.