How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Indigram Labs Foundation

Introduction

India’s agricultural and rural sectors are witnessing a wave of innovation, driven by technology and the passion of young entrepreneurs. At the center of this transformation stands Indigram Labs Foundation (ILF) — one of India’s leading agri-tech and social impact incubators.

Backed by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Indigram Labs provides not just financial support, but also strategic mentorship, infrastructure, and investor linkages to startups tackling rural and agricultural challenges.

For startups innovating in agriculture, food processing, rural development, sustainability, and allied sectors, ILF offers a powerful platform to grow ideas into scalable enterprises.

This article explores everything you need to know about applying for seed funding at Indigram Labs Foundation — including eligibility, application steps, benefits, and tips to maximize your chances of success.

1. About Indigram Labs Foundation

Established in 2015, Indigram Labs Foundation is a Delhi-based technology business incubator with a deep focus on agri-tech, clean energy, and social innovation. Supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Startup India, and Atal Innovation Mission, ILF has nurtured hundreds of startups working on solutions for India’s most pressing challenges — from soil health and precision farming to rural employment and waste management.

Vision and Mission

Indigram Labs envisions “Empowering rural innovation and inclusive growth through entrepreneurship.” Its mission is to identify, support, and scale startups that build sustainable and technology-driven solutions for agriculture and allied sectors.

Key Focus Areas

Agri-tech and precision farming
Food processing and cold chain logistics
Agri-finance and insurance tech
Clean and renewable energy
Waste management and circular economy
Rural livelihood and women entrepreneurship

Over the years, ILF has supported 150+ startups, facilitated ₹20+ crore in funding assistance, and created employment for over 2,500 individuals across India.

2. Understanding the Seed Fund Support

Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Indigram Labs Foundation provides critical early-stage financial assistance to innovative startups.

The seed fund acts as a bridge between idea validation and venture capital funding, helping entrepreneurs move from prototype to commercial launch.

Types of Financial Assistance:

Grant Support (Up to ₹20 Lakhs):
For idea validation, prototype development, product trials, or market entry activities.
Equity/Convertible Debt (Up to ₹50 Lakhs):
For startups ready to scale operations, expand markets, or commercialize validated products.

Key Objectives:

Enable startups to test, build, and validate prototypes.
Support market entry and business model refinement.
Help entrepreneurs attract investor and institutional funding.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Startups applying for seed funding at Indigram Labs Foundation must meet the following eligibility requirements as per the SISFS guidelines:

Startup-Level Eligibility

DPIIT Recognition: Startup must be registered and recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Incorporation Type: Must be a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership firm.
Startup Age: Should not be older than 10 years from the date of incorporation.
Turnover Limit: Annual turnover should be less than ₹100 crore in any financial year.
Indian Ownership: At least 51% ownership should rest with Indian citizens or Indian-incorporated entities.

Funding-Specific Criteria

The startup should have a clear prototype or MVP plan for grant support.
Startups seeking equity/convertible debt must demonstrate proof of concept, customer traction, or early revenues.
Preference is given to startups addressing challenges in agriculture, food systems, and rural livelihoods.

4. How to Apply for the Seed Fund at Indigram Labs Foundation

The application process for the Seed Fund at Indigram Labs Foundation is simple and transparent, but it requires careful preparation.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Register on Startup India Portal

Visit the Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in) and ensure your startup is recognized under DPIIT. This recognition is mandatory for applying under SISFS.

Step 2: Choose Indigram Labs Foundation

While filling out the SISFS application form, select “Indigram Labs Foundation” as your preferred incubator.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Provide accurate details about:

Your startup idea and problem statement
Market opportunity and target audience
Prototype or MVP stage
Funding requirement and utilization plan
Expected outcomes and milestones

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Make sure to attach:

DPIIT recognition certificate
Incorporation certificate (CIN/LLPIN)
Founders’ ID and KYC
Pitch deck (5–10 slides)
Financial projections (next 2–3 years)

Step 5: Screening and Evaluation

Once submitted, your application undergoes a three-tier evaluation process:

Preliminary Screening – Review for eligibility and completeness.
Expert Committee Review – Evaluation of innovation, market fit, and scalability.
Pitch Round – Shortlisted startups present to a selection panel comprising investors, mentors, and ILF representatives.

Step 6: Onboarding and Funding Disbursement

If approved, you’ll be onboarded into the Indigram Labs incubation program, and funds will be released in tranches as per agreed milestones.

5. Benefits of Joining Indigram Labs Foundation’s Seed Fund Program

Beyond funding, Indigram Labs offers a 360° incubation experience that nurtures startups through every growth stage.

Key Benefits:

✅ Financial Assistance

Access up to ₹50 lakhs in seed support — enabling you to refine prototypes, test markets, and scale your business.

✅ Tailored Mentorship

Receive structured guidance from industry leaders, agri-experts, and business strategists who understand rural and agricultural ecosystems.

✅ Market & Investor Access

Connect with investors, corporates, and government stakeholders through networking events and demo days.

✅ Technical & Infrastructure Support

Utilize co-working spaces, testing facilities, and technical labs within the Indigram network.

✅ Policy & Compliance Support

Get help with regulatory filings, IP protection, and government grant documentation.

✅ Brand Visibility

Participate in startup showcases, exhibitions, and investor meets, gaining exposure to media and industry partners.

✅ Networking with Agri Ecosystem

Access a network of farmers, cooperatives, FPOs, and agribusiness partners for pilot testing and product adoption.

6. Success Stories from Indigram Labs Foundation

Indigram Labs Foundation has played a crucial role in transforming early-stage startups into national success stories.

Here are a few inspiring examples:

1. Krishify

A social network for farmers, Krishify connects over 10 million farmers across India. Incubated at ILF, it successfully raised funding from marquee investors like Omnivore.

2. Agrowave

Agrowave builds farm-to-business logistics platforms, helping farmers sell directly to buyers through tech-enabled supply chains.

3. Poshn

A B2B agri-trade startup simplifying bulk trading of food grains and agri-products through an efficient digital marketplace.

4. Saptkrishi

An innovative agri-tech startup developing portable cold storage systems, reducing post-harvest losses for small farmers.

These success stories exemplify Indigram Labs’ mission — to create technology-led, socially impactful, and sustainable agribusinesses.

7. Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances of securing seed funding at Indigram Labs Foundation, keep these tips in mind:

Highlight the Problem Clearly – Focus on the real-world issue you’re solving and its impact on rural or agri communities.
Demonstrate Innovation – Show what differentiates your product or model from existing solutions.
Show Early Validation – Any pilot project, prototype test, or user feedback adds strong credibility.
Prepare a Clear Funding Plan – Explain how each rupee of the seed fund will be used to achieve milestones.
Build a Strong Team Profile – Showcase your team’s skills, passion, and domain experience.
Focus on Scalability – The more replicable and sustainable your solution, the higher your chances.

8. Contact Information

For more details or queries regarding the seed fund application, you can reach out to:

📍 Address:
Indigram Labs Foundation,
B-1/41, Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016, India

📧 Email: info@indigramlabs.org
📞 Phone: +91-11-4053 5000
🌐 Website: www.indigramlabs.org

Conclusion

The Indigram Labs Foundation stands at the intersection of innovation, agriculture, and impact, empowering entrepreneurs to reshape India’s rural economy.

Through its Seed Fund Incubation Program, ILF not only bridges the funding gap for early-stage startups but also builds an ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability and growth.

If you’re a founder passionate about creating change in the agri-tech or rural development sector — Indigram Labs Foundation could be your gateway to success.

So, take the leap. Apply today. Let your innovation feed India’s future. 🌱

How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Indigram Labs Foundation

Introduction