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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Forum for Innovation Incubation Research and Entrepreneurship

FiiRE Seed Fund Incubator

Introduction

Starting a startup is exciting — but transforming an idea into a real, sustainable business takes more than vision. Every early-stage entrepreneur faces one key challenge: access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure.

This is where FiiRE (Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research, and Entrepreneurship) steps in. Based in Goa, FiiRE is a government-recognized Technology Business Incubator (TBI) supported by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

FiiRE has become a launchpad for early-stage startups by offering seed funding, zero-cost incubation, technical mentorship, and networking with investors and industry leaders. It is one of India’s few incubators specializing in TourismTech, Sustainability, CleanTech, AgriTech, and other high-impact innovation domains.

If you’ve been wondering how to apply for seed fund incubator FiiRE, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate eligibility, funding details, the application process, and expert tips to strengthen your proposal.

What is FiiRE?

The Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research and Entrepreneurship (FiiRE) is a not-for-profit incubator located at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa. It was established to nurture early-stage entrepreneurs and help them convert innovative ideas into commercially viable ventures.

Promoted by the Salesian Society and supported by the Government of India, FiiRE’s vision is to empower entrepreneurs through innovation, research, and incubation. It operates as a recognized incubator under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and the NIDHI-Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS).

Core Focus Areas

FiiRE actively supports startups across several innovation-driven sectors, including:

  • TourismTech and hospitality innovation

  • CleanTech and sustainability-focused products

  • AgriTech and FoodTech

  • Digital transformation and SaaS platforms

  • Social impact innovations

FiiRE’s programs go beyond financial assistance — they build long-term startup resilience through guidance, mentorship, and access to real-world networks.

Why Choose FiiRE for Seed Funding?

Unlike conventional funding avenues, FiiRE offers equity-free seed grants and sector-specific mentorship to help startups grow sustainably. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Zero-Cost Incubation

Startups get access to FiiRE’s co-working spaces, technical labs, and event facilities without any upfront cost. This enables founders to focus entirely on product development and growth.

2. Equity-Free Seed Funding

Under schemes like SISFS and NIDHI-SSS, FiiRE provides equity-free financial support up to ₹50 lakh for product development, market entry, and commercialization.

3. Access to Mentors and Industry Experts

FiiRE connects startups with business strategists, investors, and domain specialists, helping founders gain practical insights and build strategic direction.

4. Networking Opportunities

Being part of FiiRE’s ecosystem opens doors to workshops, bootcamps, demo days, and investor networking events that help startups gain visibility.

5. Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem

Startups incubated at FiiRE benefit from a community of innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs working across technology and sustainability domains.

Key Seed Funding Programs at FiiRE

1. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) supports startups in their early stages through grants and debt-based funding.

FiiRE is one of the selected incubators eligible to disburse SISFS funding.

Funding Details:

  • Grant Support: Up to ₹20 lakh for proof-of-concept, prototype development, or product trials.

  • Investment Support: Up to ₹50 lakh for market entry, commercialization, or scaling.

  • Disbursement: Released in milestone-based tranches.

  • Eligibility: Startups must be DPIIT-recognized, less than 2 years old, and working on innovative technology-driven products.

This fund helps bridge the critical gap between idea validation and market entry.

2. NIDHI-Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

The NIDHI-SSS, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), provides seed funding to startups that have already developed a prototype and are ready to scale.

Funding Details:

  • Amount: Up to ₹1 crore, depending on project scope.

  • Use of Funds: Product development, testing, scaling, and market validation.

  • Eligibility:

    • Registered company in India

    • Majority Indian ownership

    • Incubated at FiiRE (physical or virtual) for at least 3 months

    • Startup age preferably under 3 years

This funding focuses on startups that have a proven concept but need financial support to reach commercialization.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying to FiiRE

To apply for any of the seed funding programs at FiiRE, startups must fulfill these criteria:

  1. Legal Incorporation:

    • Must be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or OPC in India.

  2. Indian Ownership:

    • Minimum 51% ownership by Indian promoters.

  3. Startup Recognition:

    • Must have DPIIT (Startup India) recognition for SISFS.

  4. Stage of Development:

    • Should be in early stage, ideally with a proof-of-concept or prototype.

  5. Sectoral Relevance:

    • Preference for startups in tourism, sustainability, and tech innovation sectors.

  6. Not a Subsidiary:

    • The startup must not be a subsidiary of an MNC or foreign company.

  7. Incubation Requirement:

    • For NIDHI-SSS, startups should have undergone at least 3 months of incubation at FiiRE.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the FiiRE seed fund incubator is simple but requires preparation. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Visit FiiRE’s Official Website

Go to fiire.org.in to learn about ongoing programs, available seed funds, and current application calls.

Step 2: Register Your Startup

Create an account on FiiRE’s online portal or Startup India website (for SISFS applicants).

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Include:

  • Pitch Deck highlighting your problem, solution, market potential, and business model

  • Proof of Concept or Prototype

  • DPIIT Recognition Certificate

  • Business Plan & Financial Projections (3–5 years)

  • Details of the Founding Team

Step 4: Submit Application

For SISFS, apply via the Startup India Seed Fund Portal and select FiiRE Goa as your preferred incubator.
 For NIDHI-SSS, submit directly through FiiRE’s internal application link.

Step 5: Screening & Evaluation

FiiRE’s Seed Fund Management Committee reviews applications based on innovation, feasibility, and impact.

Step 6: Pitching Round

Shortlisted startups present their ideas to a panel of mentors and investors.

Step 7: Due Diligence & Approval

Selected startups go through a due diligence process where legal, financial, and business aspects are verified.

Step 8: Funding Agreement & Disbursement

Once approved, FiiRE signs an agreement with the startup detailing milestones and fund disbursement. Funds are released in phases based on milestone completion.

Tips for a Successful Application

  1. Show Market Validation: Demonstrate real customer interest or pilot data.

  2. Strong Team: Highlight the founders’ relevant experience and complementary skills.

  3. Innovative Approach: Show what makes your product different or disruptive.

  4. Clear Use of Funds: Create a milestone-based plan for fund utilization.

  5. Solid Financial Projections: Present realistic, data-driven financial goals.

  6. Pitch Presentation: Keep it concise, visually appealing, and problem-solution oriented.

Benefits Beyond Funding

Once accepted into the FiiRE incubation program, startups gain much more than financial support:

  • Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors

  • Access to Labs and Prototyping Facilities

  • Networking Opportunities with ecosystem partners and corporates

  • Business Development Support including branding, compliance, and investor readiness

  • Visibility & Recognition through FiiRE’s national and international network

FiiRE acts as a long-term growth partner for startups aiming to create large-scale social or technological impact.

Success Stories

Several startups have transformed their ideas into scalable ventures with FiiRE’s support.

  • Traveon Technologies – a tourism innovation startup that leveraged FiiRE’s incubation to expand its user base across Goa and Maharashtra.

  • EnviroSense Solutions – received early-stage mentorship and funding to commercialize clean energy devices.

These stories show that with the right mentorship and seed support, early-stage startups can make significant strides in a short period.

Conclusion

Applying for the seed fund incubator at FiiRE is more than just a funding opportunity — it’s an entry into a collaborative ecosystem that nurtures innovation and growth.

Whether you’re developing a TourismTech platform, a sustainability-driven innovation, or a digital product with social impact, FiiRE provides the right mix of funding, mentorship, and industry exposure to help your startup thrive.

With a structured application process, milestone-based funding, and a dedicated mentorship network, FiiRE empowers startups to scale confidently and sustainably.