How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Sharda Launchpad Federation
Introduction
Every startup begins with a spark — an idea full of potential. Yet, for many early-stage founders, turning that idea into a viable business requires more than just passion. Funding, mentorship, and access to an entrepreneurial ecosystem are key factors that can make or break a startup.
This is where Sharda Launchpad Federation (SLF) steps in.
As the official incubator of Sharda University, SLF supports entrepreneurs in transforming innovative concepts into successful, scalable ventures. Through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and other programs, the incubator provides crucial early-stage funding, expert mentorship, and a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to grow.
If you’ve been wondering how to apply for the seed fund incubator at Sharda Launchpad Federation, this guide gives you a complete step-by-step roadmap — from eligibility and documentation to funding support and success tips.
About Sharda Launchpad Federation
The Sharda Launchpad Federation (SLF) is an initiative by Sharda University to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven growth. It aims to provide startups with the right mix of capital, mentoring, networking, and market exposure.
SLF’s mission is to empower early-stage startups through holistic incubation — helping them validate their ideas, build prototypes, raise capital, and scale sustainably.
Key Features
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Seed Funding: Up to ₹50 lakh under the SISFS program.
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Equity-Free Grants: Financial assistance without giving up ownership.
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Mentorship: Access to top industry experts, investors, and academics.
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Infrastructure: Modern co-working spaces, labs, and testing facilities.
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Networking: Exposure to potential partners, investors, and market linkages.
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Capacity Building: Bootcamps, workshops, and investor meets.
SLF supports a wide spectrum of industries including HealthTech, EdTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, AgriTech, and AI/IoT-based startups.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure your startup meets the following eligibility guidelines:
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Registered Entity: The startup must be registered in India as a Pvt. Ltd. company, LLP, or OPC.
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DPIIT Recognition: Preferably recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
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Indian Ownership: At least 51% shareholding should be with Indian founders.
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Stage: Must be an early-stage startup (ideation, prototype, or pre-revenue).
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Age of Startup: Not more than 2 years from the date of incorporation (for SISFS).
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Innovation Focus: The startup should offer an innovative, technology-driven, or socially impactful solution.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the seed fund incubator program at Sharda Launchpad Federation:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to https://sharda.ac.in/incubation or the Sharda Launchpad Federation portal to view details about the incubation and funding programs.
Step 2: Register Your Startup
Create an account on the online portal and provide your basic startup details — name, registration number, and contact info.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Provide comprehensive information such as:
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Problem statement and proposed solution
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Product or service description
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Target market and competitors
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Business and revenue model
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Current traction (if any)
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Fund requirement and utilization plan
Step 4: Attach Required Documents
Prepare and upload:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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DPIIT Recognition Certificate (if available)
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Pitch Deck
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Founders’ resumes
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Financials or business plan
Step 5: Evaluation & Pitch
After submission, applications are reviewed for innovation, scalability, and team capability. Shortlisted startups are invited to pitch before a selection committee that includes domain experts and investors.
Step 6: Selection & Onboarding
Selected startups undergo due diligence and then join the incubation program. Upon successful induction, startups may receive funding under SISFS or other SLF funding opportunities.
Funding Details
1. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
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Amount: Up to ₹50 lakh
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Form: Equity-free grants or debt instruments
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Purpose: Prototype development, product validation, market entry, or scaling operations
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Disbursement: Released in tranches based on milestones
2. Sharda Launchpad Federation Fund
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Internal Grants: SLF offers internal funds and connects startups with angel investors and venture capitalists.
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Mentorship Support: Continuous monitoring and guidance on fund utilization and growth milestones.
Benefits of Incubation at SLF
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Zero-Cost Workspace: Free co-working areas and access to labs.
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Expert Mentorship: Guidance from successful founders and professors.
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Investor Connections: Networking with angel investors and VC firms.
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Market Access: Exposure through demo days, exhibitions, and startup fairs.
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Skill Building: Training in pitching, business development, and financial modeling.
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Visibility: Opportunities to represent your startup at national-level events.
Tips for a Successful Application
💡 1. Strong Problem–Solution Fit:
Show how your product solves a specific, pressing issue in your target market.
💡 2. Demonstrate Innovation:
Highlight what makes your approach unique and scalable.
💡 3. Clear Fund Utilization:
Break down how you’ll use the grant to achieve measurable milestones.
💡 4. Build a Balanced Team:
Incubators prefer teams with complementary technical and business skills.
💡 5. Keep Your Pitch Simple:
Tell a clear, engaging story — the why, what, and how behind your idea.
Success Stories from SLF
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MedCare AI: A HealthTech startup that developed an AI-powered early diagnosis tool and secured funding under SISFS.
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AgriNova: Used seed funding to launch a precision farming device and raised follow-on funding within six months.
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EduMentor: An EdTech platform that scaled across 50+ institutions after SLF incubation.
These success stories underline how strategic mentorship and funding at SLF can accelerate startup journeys from ideation to market success.
Contact Information
📍 Address: Sharda Launchpad Federation, Sharda University Campus, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
📧 Email: info@shardalaunchpad.com
🌐 Website: https://sharda.ac.in/incubation
📞 Phone: +91-120-4060210
Conclusion
For early-stage entrepreneurs, the Sharda Launchpad Federation is more than an incubator — it’s a launchpad to success. With access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure, startups can focus on building, testing, and scaling their innovations confidently.
If you have a promising idea and the drive to make it real, applying for the Seed Fund Incubator at Sharda Launchpad Federation could be your first big leap toward creating impact and growth.
