Funding for idea-stage startups
11 verified programmes in the CapEasy funding directory. Every entry links to its official source.
Very little money is available before there is something to show, which is precisely why the programmes that do fund ideas are worth knowing by name. These accept a concept, a team and a plan — typically funding proof of concept rather than growth.
Expect small amounts, milestone-linked disbursal and a heavy emphasis on the team. Several idea-stage programmes are run by academic incubators and are open to students and first-time founders without an incorporated entity.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — always confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before applying.
Early Stage Funding
Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG)
BIRAC BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant) at FITT IIT Delhi
IIT Mandi Catalyst — Incubation Program
MedTech Center of Excellence (CoE) Lucknow - Incubation & Seed Funding Support
Answer 4 questions — we’ll shortlist what you can claim.
DST NIDHI PRAYAS (SINE IIT Bombay PMU)
NIDHI PRAYAS
Student Startup and Innovation Policy for the State of Gujarat (SSIP 2.0)
Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at FITT IIT Delhi
FITT IIT Delhi Startup Incubation Program
SPARSH (Social Innovation Programme)
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 idea 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.