Funding for early-stage startups
22 verified programmes in the CapEasy funding directory. Every entry links to its official source.
Early stage is the broadest band in the directory and the best supplied: a startup with a product, some traction and a plan can apply to central seed funds, state schemes and funded incubator cohorts at the same time.
The binding constraint is usually not eligibility but sequencing. Most of these require DPIIT recognition, an incorporated entity under a stated age, and clean statutory filings — get those in place first, because they gate almost everything else.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — always confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before applying.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)
Early Stage Funding
Industry Innovation Programme on Medical Electronics (IIPME)
NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP)
SINE Incubation Program (IIT Bombay)
Answer 4 questions — we’ll shortlist what you can claim.
Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG)
BIRAC BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant) at FITT IIT Delhi
Promoting Academic Research Conversion to Enterprise (PACE)
R&D Grant (Research Innovation Network Kerala)
MedTech Center of Excellence (CoE) Lucknow - Incubation & Seed Funding Support
Startup Odisha — Startup Incentives / Funding
Startup Odisha Financial Assistance Scheme (Recognized Startups)
TANSEED
Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2020 — Sustenance Allowance, Prototype Development & Seed/Marketing Assistance
Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at FITT IIT Delhi
BFI NAMAH MedTech Product Realization Accelerator
BIRAC Fund of Funds - AcE (Accelerating Entrepreneurs)
FITT IIT Delhi Startup Incubation Program
Fund of Funds
SPARSH (Social Innovation Programme)
TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs) at FITT IIT Delhi
Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2020 (First Amendment 2022) - Startup Incentives
CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not associated with any government programme, agency or authority. Eligibility and approval rest with the relevant authorities; we help you assess and apply, but cannot guarantee approval. Programme terms change — the official page linked from each entry is the position of record.
Questions founders ask.
The programmes listed on this page all accept applicants at the early stage stage. They differ in instrument — grant, subsidy, loan or equity — and in who runs them, so read the benefit type on each card before applying.
For most central schemes and many state schemes, yes. DPIIT recognition is free, done online, and gates a large share of the funding in this directory, so it is usually the first step rather than an afterthought.
The directory is re-checked on a rolling basis against official sources and programmes that close are removed. Each entry links to the official page, which remains the position of record — always confirm there before you apply.