How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre
Introduction
The spirit of entrepreneurship knows no boundaries — and when it comes to empowering women innovators, the WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre stands at the forefront.
Established by the Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University (SNDTWU), one of India’s most prestigious institutions dedicated to women’s education, WISE (Women’s Incubation, Start-up, and Entrepreneurship Centre) provides a nurturing platform for women-led startups to innovate, grow, and scale.
Through its participation in the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), the incubator extends crucial early-stage financial support to women entrepreneurs who are transforming ideas into impactful ventures.
This article offers a complete guide on how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at WISE SNDTWU, covering the eligibility criteria, funding structure, benefits, and step-by-step application process.
1. About WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre
The WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre is an initiative of SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, designed exclusively to empower women innovators, founders, and researchers.
Founded on the belief that economic independence and innovation are key to gender equality, the incubator aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding needed to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.
WISE stands for Women’s Incubation, Start-up, and Entrepreneurship, symbolizing the University’s legacy of academic excellence combined with entrepreneurial vision.
Through its Seed Fund and support programs, WISE offers:
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Seed capital assistance under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
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Access to state-of-the-art research and prototyping facilities
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Expert mentorship from seasoned women leaders and industry veterans
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Networking opportunities with investors, corporates, and policymakers
The Centre primarily focuses on empowering first-time women founders, especially from non-metropolitan regions, to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation economy.
2. Understanding the Seed Fund Program
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), provides financial assistance to startups for validating ideas, developing prototypes, and entering markets.
WISE SNDTWU administers this scheme specifically to support women-led startups, offering them not just funding, but a full incubation ecosystem.
Funding Categories:
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Prototype Development / Product Validation:
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Up to ₹20 lakhs (grant) for developing prototypes, testing, and initial validation.
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Market Entry / Commercialization:
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Up to ₹50 lakhs (debt or convertible debentures) for scaling and commercialization.
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These funds are disbursed in tranches based on milestones and are monitored by the incubator’s Seed Fund Management Committee (SFMC).
The goal is to help women founders overcome early-stage financial hurdles and transition from concept to commercialization with confidence.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Seed Fund at WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre, startups must meet both DPIIT and incubator-specific eligibility requirements:
General Eligibility (As per SISFS):
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The startup must be recognized by DPIIT under Startup India.
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It should be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm in India.
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The startup should not be more than 10 years old from its date of incorporation.
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The annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crores in any financial year.
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It should be working on a product or service that is innovative, scalable, and has market potential.
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The startup should not have received more than ₹10 lakhs of monetary support from any other government seed fund.
WISE-Specific Eligibility (Women-Led Focus):
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At least one woman co-founder must hold a minimum 51% equity in the startup.
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Preference is given to startups led by women from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, or those addressing social impact, sustainability, and livelihood generation.
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The startup must be in the prototype or early-market stage.
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the Seed Fund at WISE SNDTWU is a transparent, merit-based process designed to identify truly promising women-led startups.
Step 1: DPIIT Recognition
Before applying, ensure your startup is registered on the Startup India portal and has a valid DPIIT recognition certificate.
Step 2: Apply via Startup India Seed Fund Portal
Visit the official Startup India Seed Fund Scheme portal and select WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre as your preferred incubator.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
Provide detailed information about your startup:
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Problem statement and solution
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Market opportunity and customer segment
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Founding team background
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Prototype status and traction (if any)
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Amount of seed fund required and utilization plan
Step 4: Screening & Evaluation
The WISE selection committee screens all applications to shortlist high-potential startups.
Step 5: Pitch Presentation
Shortlisted startups present their ideas to the Seed Fund Management Committee (SFMC). Evaluation is based on innovation, team strength, market scalability, and social impact.
Step 6: Due Diligence
Selected startups undergo technical and financial due diligence before final approval.
Step 7: Funding & Incubation
Once approved, startups receive funding in tranches tied to milestone achievements and gain access to the incubation ecosystem for continued mentorship and support.
5. Benefits of Joining WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre
WISE SNDTWU offers an end-to-end support system to ensure women entrepreneurs succeed in every phase of their journey.
Key Benefits:
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Seed Funding:
Financial aid up to ₹70 lakhs (grant + debt) to help startups scale. -
Dedicated Mentorship:
Access to women leaders, startup coaches, and domain experts for personalized guidance. -
Infrastructure Access:
Use of university facilities, labs, co-working spaces, and testing centers. -
Networking Opportunities:
Exposure to investor networks, corporate collaborations, and trade events. -
Capacity Building Programs:
Training sessions on business management, product design, marketing, and financial literacy. -
Social Impact Focus:
Encouragement for women-led startups solving societal problems — from sustainable fashion to rural innovation. -
Community Support:
Join a sisterhood of founders building solutions that uplift and inspire.
6. Focus Sectors
The WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre supports innovation in diverse areas, including:
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Sustainability & Green Technology
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Fashion & Handicrafts
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Healthcare & Wellness
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Education & Skilling
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Food Processing & Nutrition
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Social Impact & Rural Entrepreneurship
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Technology for Good
By focusing on both commercial and social innovation, WISE bridges the gap between creativity and economic empowerment.
7. Success Stories from WISE SNDTWU
Over the years, WISE has nurtured several women-led ventures that have made significant local and national impact.
🌿 EcoShe Innovates:
Started by two SNDT alumni, this startup developed biodegradable sanitary products for rural women — now serving over 50,000 beneficiaries.
💎 HandloomHeritage:
A social enterprise connecting women weavers from Maharashtra to global buyers through digital marketplaces.
🧁 BakeRight by Aarti:
A food-tech micro-venture that grew from a small kitchen to a nationwide home-baking franchise network, all incubated under WISE.
These examples reflect how the incubator helps women turn their passions into profitable and purpose-driven enterprises.
8. Tips to Strengthen Your Application
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Highlight Your Innovation:
Clearly explain what sets your idea apart. -
Define Market Fit:
Support your claims with real data — demand analysis, competitor overview, or user validation. -
Show Social or Economic Impact:
Emphasize how your startup benefits women, communities, or the environment. -
Prepare a Clear Utilization Plan:
Mention how you’ll use the funds across prototype, validation, and scaling phases. -
Leverage Your Team Strength:
Highlight diverse skills and shared vision within your founding team. -
Keep Your Pitch Concise & Engaging:
Use visuals, case studies, and testimonials to make your presentation memorable.
9. Contact Information
WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre
Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University
Churchgate, Mumbai – 400020, Maharashtra, India
📧 Email: wise@sndt.ac.in
📞 Phone: +91-22-2203 1879
🌐 Website: www.sndt.ac.in
Conclusion
The WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre is not just a seed fund incubator — it’s a movement to empower women entrepreneurs to lead India’s innovation story.
Through its combination of funding, mentoring, and community building, WISE ensures that every woman with a dream has the tools and ecosystem to make it real.
For women founders across India — whether you’re building a social enterprise, a fashion label, or a tech startup — WISE SNDTWU is your platform to grow, learn, and lead.
Apply today and join a generation of women redefining success with purpose and power. 🌸
