Introduction
India’s entrepreneurial landscape has seen a massive transformation over the past decade — from grassroots innovations to world-changing startups. But one of the key challenges for early-stage founders remains the same: access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure.
To bridge this gap, the Science and Technology Park (STP Pune) — also known as Scitech Park — plays a crucial role in empowering innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into commercially viable ventures.
Recognized under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, the incubator provides grants, mentorship, and business acceleration programs for startups working in sectors such as clean energy, biotechnology, ICT, agri-tech, and social innovation.
This detailed guide explains how you can apply for seed funding at Science and Technology Park Pune, the eligibility process, benefits, and what makes it one of India’s most trusted innovation ecosystems.
Focused Keyword: Science and Technology Park seed fund
1. About Science and Technology Park Pune
Established in 1988 under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Science and Technology Park, Pune was one of India’s first technology business incubators designed to commercialize science-led innovations.
Over the past three decades, STP Pune has:
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Incubated 250+ startups
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Enabled ₹200+ crore worth of funding
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Created 10,000+ jobs
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Partnered with national and international innovation bodies
The park is headquartered within the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus and provides a strong academic-industry linkage.
Vision
To promote science, technology, and innovation as tools for socio-economic development.
Mission
To provide startups with a nurturing ecosystem, financial assistance, and technical mentorship to turn ideas into scalable businesses.
Focus Sectors
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Clean and renewable energy
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Environment and climate technology
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Agri-tech and food processing
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Biotechnology
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ICT and digital solutions
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Social innovation and rural technology
2. Understanding the Seed Fund Support at STP Pune
Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Science and Technology Park provides financial and incubation support to eligible startups.
Funding Options
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Grant Support (Up to ₹20 Lakhs):
For proof of concept, prototype development, and product trials. -
Equity or Debt Support (Up to ₹50 Lakhs):
For market entry, commercialization, and scaling operations.
Objective
To bridge the funding gap that early-stage startups face before they are ready for venture capital or angel investment.
The fund allows innovators to focus on building, testing, and validating their solutions — without worrying about immediate financial pressure.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Science and Technology Park seed fund, startups must meet the following eligibility conditions:
✅ DPIIT-recognized startup under Startup India
✅ Incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm
✅ Startup must be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation
✅ Annual turnover below ₹100 crore in any financial year
✅ Indian founders must hold at least 51% ownership
✅ The startup must be working on an innovative product or process with commercial potential
Preferred Sectors
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CleanTech
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AgriTech
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ICT and IoT
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Biotechnology
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Environmental Sustainability
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Rural Development
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for the STP Pune seed fund:
Step 1: Register on the Startup India Portal
Visit the Startup India Portal and ensure your startup has DPIIT recognition — a mandatory prerequisite.
Step 2: Choose Science and Technology Park Pune as Your Incubator
Under the Seed Fund Scheme, select Science and Technology Park Pune as your preferred incubator.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Include details about:
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Startup’s mission and problem statement
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Product/service details and stage (idea, prototype, MVP, or early revenue)
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Market analysis and target audience
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Funding requirements and milestone plan
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Team composition and expertise
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Required documents include:
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DPIIT certificate
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Incorporation certificate
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Business plan or pitch deck
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Financial projections
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KYC of founders
Step 5: Screening and Evaluation
Applications are screened by the STP Pune team. Selected startups are invited to pitch before an expert evaluation committee comprising mentors, industry experts, and investors.
Step 6: Selection and Onboarding
Successful applicants are onboarded into the STP Incubation Program, where they receive funding, mentorship, and networking support.
5. Benefits of Joining Science and Technology Park Pune
Joining STP Pune’s seed fund program gives startups access to a world-class ecosystem:
✅ Funding Support
Receive up to ₹50 lakhs in structured seed funding to support product development and go-to-market strategies.
✅ Mentorship
Access to seasoned mentors from industry, academia, and investor networks for product and business strategy guidance.
✅ Infrastructure Support
Use of office spaces, prototyping labs, testing facilities, and networking lounges inside the university campus.
✅ Capacity Building
Workshops, investor-readiness programs, and industry sessions to strengthen entrepreneurial knowledge.
✅ Investor Access
Connect with angel investors, VCs, and government funding agencies through demo days and investor meets.
✅ Market Access
Exposure to domestic and international markets through partnerships with global innovation networks.
6. Success Stories
Over the years, Science and Technology Park Pune has supported several successful startups, including:
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Ecozen Solutions: A clean energy startup providing solar-powered cold storage for farmers.
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Proxgy: IoT-based solution that raised significant investments after incubation support.
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Varcas: Focused on renewable energy vehicles and sustainable mobility.
Each success story underscores STP Pune’s mission — to empower startups that create measurable social and economic impact.
7. Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your selection chances:
💡 Clearly define your problem statement and innovation
💡 Show early traction (prototype, pilot, or customer feedback)
💡 Highlight your founding team’s strengths
💡 Present clear financial projections
💡 Focus on scalability and impact
8. Contact Information
📍 Address:
Science and Technology Park,
Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune – 411007
📧 Email: info@scitechpark.org.in
🌐 Website: www.scitechpark.org.in
📞 Phone: +91 20 2569 1480
Conclusion
The Science and Technology Park Pune seed fund stands as one of India’s most impactful initiatives for early-stage entrepreneurs. With a legacy of nurturing innovation and enabling sustainability, STP Pune provides startups with everything they need — funding, mentorship, and access to markets.
If you are a startup aiming to make a real-world impact, applying for STP Pune’s seed fund can be the stepping stone toward transforming your innovative idea into a scalable, sustainable venture.
