How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation
Introduction
In today’s world of fast-paced innovation, turning an idea into a business takes more than vision — it takes resources, mentorship, and an ecosystem that believes in your potential. While India’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, the gap between ideation and execution still challenges many young innovators.
Bridging that gap is the Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation, a pioneering hub designed to empower innovators, students, and early-stage entrepreneurs to build scalable, high-impact ventures.
Supported by the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and backed by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog, this centre has become a beacon of innovation — nurturing ideas that are transforming industries across India.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for the seed fund incubator at the Foundation for Make It Happen, including its vision, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and success stories.
1. About Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation
The Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation (AIC-MIH) is a startup incubation and innovation support centre that works to create a vibrant ecosystem for technology-driven entrepreneurship.
The Centre focuses on promoting innovation in Artificial Intelligence, IoT, robotics, clean energy, healthcare technology, and digital transformation. Its goal is simple yet ambitious — to help innovators “make it happen” by converting research-driven ideas into viable products and profitable businesses.
Vision
To create a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem that encourages and supports the creation of technology-led startups capable of driving India’s innovation economy.
Mission
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To identify and nurture early-stage entrepreneurs through structured incubation support.
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To provide funding, mentorship, and business development guidance.
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To bridge the gap between academia, industry, and the startup community.
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To promote responsible innovation that delivers real social and economic value.
Key Highlights
✅ Recognized under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).
✅ Focused on AI, Robotics, IoT, Cleantech, HealthTech, and Agritech.
✅ Mentorship from AI scientists, startup founders, and investors.
✅ Access to prototyping labs, testing facilities, and co-working spaces.
✅ Collaboration with top universities and corporate innovation programs.
The Foundation for Make It Happen is not just an incubator — it’s a movement designed to fuel the imagination and determination of India’s next generation of innovators.
2. Understanding the Seed Fund Program at AIC-MIH
The Seed Fund Program at AIC-MIH is part of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), launched by the Government of India to empower startups during their most critical stage — the early phase between ideation and proof of concept.
This program provides both financial assistance and incubation support to startups with high potential for innovation, scalability, and impact.
Funding Structure
The AIC-MIH Seed Fund is divided into two key categories:
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💰 Grant Support (up to ₹20 lakhs):
For prototype development, product trials, or proof of concept. -
💼 Investment Support (up to ₹50 lakhs):
As debt or convertible instruments for product commercialization, market expansion, or scaling operations.
This dual structure ensures that startups can move from prototype to market-ready product with the necessary financial and strategic support.
3. Objectives of the Program
The Seed Fund Program at the Foundation for Make It Happen is designed to:
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Encourage AI-driven and technology-led innovation among Indian entrepreneurs.
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Provide financial assistance for early-stage startups to build prototypes or pilot projects.
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Facilitate collaborations between academia, corporates, and government agencies.
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Strengthen India’s position as a global innovation hub.
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Create employment and promote economic self-reliance through startup growth.
4. Eligibility Criteria for Startups
Before applying for the AIC-MIH Seed Fund, startups must meet specific eligibility conditions defined by Startup India and DPIIT:
✅ DPIIT Recognition:
The startup must be officially recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
✅ Legal Entity:
Must be a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm.
✅ Age Limit:
Startup should not be more than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.
✅ Turnover:
The startup’s annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year.
✅ Innovation Requirement:
The startup should be working on a product or solution that involves innovation, technology, or scalability.
✅ No Prior Seed Fund:
Startups that have already received ₹10 lakh or more under the SISFS are not eligible.
5. Focus Areas Supported by AIC-MIH
The Foundation for Make It Happen supports a broad spectrum of startups, with a focus on innovation and societal impact.
Some of the key focus areas include:
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🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
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🌾 Agritech & Food Innovation
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🏥 HealthTech & BioTech Solutions
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🌿 CleanTech & Sustainability
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📱 IoT, Robotics & Automation
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💻 SaaS, DeepTech & Industry 4.0
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🧬 EdTech & SkillTech Platforms
By nurturing startups in these fields, AIC-MIH contributes directly to India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion innovation-driven economy.
6. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Seed Fund
Here’s your roadmap to applying for the Seed Fund at the Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation:
Step 1: Register on the SISFS Portal
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Visit the official Startup India Seed Fund Portal: seedfund.startupindia.gov.in
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Create your profile and ensure DPIIT registration is complete.
Step 2: Select AIC-MIH as Your Preferred Incubator
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From the incubator list, choose “Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation.”
Step 3: Complete Your Application
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Fill in details such as:
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Problem statement and innovation
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Market opportunity
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Business model
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Team structure
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Funding requirement and utilization plan
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Step 4: Upload Documents
Required documents include:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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DPIIT Certificate
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Founders’ KYC (PAN/Aadhaar)
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Business Plan / Pitch Deck
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Financials or traction proof (if available)
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Product prototype photos or demo links
Step 5: Screening & Evaluation
Applications are evaluated by the Seed Fund Evaluation Committee, based on:
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Innovation and scalability
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Technical and market feasibility
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Team competence
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Social and commercial impact
Step 6: Pitching Round
Shortlisted startups are invited for a pitch presentation before a panel of experts, investors, and mentors.
Step 7: Selection & Onboarding
Selected startups are incubated at AIC-MIH, receive funding in stages, and gain access to mentorship, co-working, and prototyping facilities.
7. Benefits of Joining Foundation for Make It Happen
Joining AIC-MIH means joining a mission-driven innovation community. Here’s what startups gain:
✅ Funding Support:
Get access to up to ₹50 lakhs in grants or convertible debt.
✅ Mentorship Access:
Connect with top mentors in AI, robotics, SaaS, and sustainability.
✅ Research Collaboration:
Leverage partnerships with AI labs, universities, and corporates.
✅ Infrastructure & Labs:
Access to hardware testing, prototyping tools, and data-driven facilities.
✅ Market & Investor Linkages:
Pitch to angel investors, venture funds, and corporate partners.
✅ Capacity Building:
Training, bootcamps, and leadership programs for founders.
✅ Brand Credibility:
Being incubated under SISFS and AIM adds validation and visibility.
8. Success Stories
Several startups nurtured under the Foundation for Make It Happen have created measurable impact:
🌾 AgroAI: Developing AI-driven soil analytics tools for precision agriculture.
🏥 MediPulse: AI-powered predictive diagnostics platform for rural healthcare.
⚡ GreenBot: Robotics-based clean energy management system.
📚 SkillNova: AI-led personalized learning platform.
These examples prove that with the right incubation and funding, innovation can truly drive transformation.
9. Why Choose Foundation for Make It Happen?
Here’s what sets AIC-MIH apart from other incubators:
✅ Aligned with national innovation programs like AIM, SISFS, and DPIIT.
✅ Deep focus on AI and emerging technologies.
✅ Access to cross-sector collaboration between academia and industry.
✅ Comprehensive support from ideation to scale-up.
✅ Proven record of turning ideas into impactful startups.
If you want an incubator that combines innovation, funding, mentorship, and global visibility, AIC-MIH is the right place to begin.
10. Contact Information
📍 Address:
Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation
[Insert official location if available]
📧 Email: info@makeithappen.org
🌐 Website: www.makeithappen.org
Conclusion
The Foundation for Make It Happen — AI Centre for Invention, Innovation & Incubation is more than a startup incubator — it’s an ecosystem where vision meets execution.
By empowering entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and access to AI-driven innovation infrastructure, AIC-MIH has become a trusted partner for early-stage founders looking to make real-world impact.
So, if you have a bold idea waiting to be built — don’t wait. Apply today for the Seed Fund at AIC-MIH and take your first step towards making it happen.
