Tag Archive for: Seed Fund Scheme

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Indigram Labs Foundation

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:

  1. Grant Support (Up to ₹20 Lakhs):
    For idea validation, prototype development, product trials, or market entry activities.

  2. 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:

  1. Preliminary Screening – Review for eligibility and completeness.

  2. Expert Committee Review – Evaluation of innovation, market fit, and scalability.

  3. 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:

  1. Highlight the Problem Clearly – Focus on the real-world issue you’re solving and its impact on rural or agri communities.

  2. Demonstrate Innovation – Show what differentiates your product or model from existing solutions.

  3. Show Early Validation – Any pilot project, prototype test, or user feedback adds strong credibility.

  4. Prepare a Clear Funding Plan – Explain how each rupee of the seed fund will be used to achieve milestones.

  5. Build a Strong Team Profile – Showcase your team’s skills, passion, and domain experience.

  6. 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. 🌱

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Technology Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Society

TIEDS

Introduction

The journey of a startup begins with an idea — but turning that idea into a viable business requires capital, mentorship, and a strong support ecosystem. This is where Technology Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (TIEDS), based at IIT Roorkee, steps in.

As one of India’s premier startup incubation centers, TIEDS empowers early-stage entrepreneurs through funding opportunities, expert mentorship, and access to world-class infrastructure. It serves as a bridge between innovation and commercialization, enabling young founders to scale their ideas sustainably.

In this article, you’ll learn how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at TIEDS, what eligibility criteria are required, and how you can make your application stand out.

About TIEDS: Nurturing Innovation at IIT Roorkee

The Technology Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (TIEDS) is an initiative of the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. Established to foster innovation-driven entrepreneurship, TIEDS provides incubation facilities, mentorship, business development support, and networking opportunities.

The incubator supports startups across multiple domains — from clean energy, health tech, deep tech, IoT, AI, robotics, agritech, to social enterprises.

TIEDS plays a crucial role in strengthening the startup ecosystem in North India by bridging the gap between academic innovation and market implementation.

Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), TIEDS offers seed funding up to ₹50 lakh, along with product development support and access to the IIT Roorkee innovation ecosystem.

Why Choose TIEDS for Your Startup Journey

TIEDS isn’t just another incubator — it’s a powerhouse of entrepreneurial transformation. Here’s what makes it special:

  1. Funding Support – Early-stage startups can receive grant support up to ₹20 lakh and investment-based funding up to ₹50 lakh.

  2. Mentorship – Startups are mentored by experienced IIT faculty, successful founders, and industry professionals.

  3. Infrastructure Access – Access to advanced labs, prototyping facilities, and co-working spaces within IIT Roorkee.

  4. Networking – Exposure to investor networks, corporate connects, and global startup events.

  5. Business Acceleration – Dedicated sessions on market entry, financial management, and go-to-market strategy.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at TIEDS, startups must meet the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) guidelines:

  • The startup must be DPIIT-recognized under the Startup India initiative.

  • It should be less than two years old at the time of application.

  • The idea must be innovative, technology-driven, and scalable.

  • The startup should not have raised more than ₹10 lakh from any other government source.

  • The startup should be developing a prototype or MVP or be in the early stages of commercialization.

Funding Support Structure

The TIEDS Seed Fund provides startups with two types of financial assistance:

  1. Grant Funding (up to ₹20 lakh):
    For startups in the prototype development, testing, or validation phase.

  2. Investment-based Funding (up to ₹50 lakh):
    For startups ready to scale or enter the market.

This flexible funding approach ensures that startups at different stages receive the right kind of support.

Application Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Seed Fund Incubator at TIEDS:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before applying, keep the following ready:

  • DPIIT Recognition Certificate

  • Business Pitch Deck

  • Founder’s Resume

  • Company Incorporation Certificate

  • Financial Projections

  • Problem-Solution Summary

Step 2: Visit the Application Portal

Go to the TIEDS IIT Roorkee website or the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme portal and navigate to the application section for TIEDS.

Step 3: Submit Your Proposal

Fill out the online application form with startup details, problem statement, proposed solution, and funding requirements.

Step 4: Screening & Evaluation

Applications are evaluated by an Expert Selection Committee comprising IIT professors, investors, and industry professionals.

Step 5: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted startups are invited to present their idea, business model, and scalability plan in front of the selection panel.

Step 6: Final Selection

Successful applicants are onboarded into the TIEDS Seed Fund Incubation Program, where they begin their 6–12 month incubation journey.

Program Benefits

The TIEDS Seed Fund Incubator provides more than just money — it provides a launchpad for success.

  • Access to IIT Roorkee Labs: For testing, prototyping, and validation.

  • Mentorship from Experts: Guidance on product design, legal structuring, and fundraising.

  • Market Access Programs: Connects startups to potential clients and partners.

  • IPR and Legal Assistance: Helps protect intellectual property.

  • Visibility: Participation in demo days, exhibitions, and startup summits.

Success Stories from TIEDS

Several startups nurtured under TIEDS have gone on to achieve national recognition.
For instance:

  • Log9 Materials (energy and nanotechnology startup) began its early journey through IIT Roorkee’s innovation support.

  • DronaMaps and iMumz, though not directly under TIEDS, showcase the IIT Roorkee ecosystem’s capacity to build impactful startups.

These examples highlight how an ecosystem like TIEDS can catalyze early innovation into scalable enterprises.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

  • Focus on Innovation: Clearly highlight what makes your idea unique.

  • Show Market Validation: Add data points or pilot testing results.

  • Demonstrate Scalability: Explain how your startup can grow rapidly.

  • Be Realistic with Financials: Avoid overestimation; show grounded projections.

  • Highlight Team Strength: A strong team improves selection chances.

Conclusion

Applying for the Seed Fund Incubator at TIEDS IIT Roorkee can be a transformative step for early-stage founders.
By combining academic excellence with real-world mentorship and capital access, TIEDS continues to be one of India’s most trusted incubation hubs.

If you have a bold idea that addresses a pressing problem, now is the time to apply. With the right guidance, funding, and ecosystem — your startup could be the next success story emerging from IIT Roorkee’s TIEDS.