Tag Archive for: StartUp India Seed Fund Scheme

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at AIC-Sangam Innovation Foundation

AIC-Sangam Innovation Foundation

Introduction

Climate change, resource scarcity, and energy access challenges are increasing across India. Clean-tech startups that tackle these issues face hurdles such as early-stage funding, lab infrastructure, prototyping, and mentorship tailored to climate impact.

The Atal Incubation Centre Sangam (AIC-Sangam Innovation Foundation), based in Gurugram, is India’s first fully dedicated clean-tech incubator. It supports startups improving energy access, resource productivity, and sustainability, especially for underserved communities. Whether your idea is at the ideation stage or you have a bench-top prototype, AIC-Sangam offers seed funding under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), incubation infrastructure, mentorship, and network support.

This guide explains how to apply for seed fund incubation at AIC-Sangam, including eligibility, application process, funding details, and tips to strengthen your chances.

What is AIC-Sangam Innovation Foundation?

Clean-Tech Focus

AIC-Sangam specializes in clean technology, sustainability, and climate innovation, supporting startups that create measurable environmental impact.

Mission & Scope

Their mission is to support STEM solutions that improve energy access and resource efficiency for underserved populations, helping communities adapt to climate challenges.

Facilities & Infrastructure

  • Co-working spaces

  • Prototyping lab

  • Physical incubation zones

  • Event & networking infrastructure

Programs & Support

  • Incubation for clean-tech startups

  • Seed funding under SISFS

  • Innovation challenges, e.g., decarbonization

  • Mentorship from clean-tech experts, policy guidance, and investor connections

Key Offerings & Support

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

AIC-Sangam, as a partner incubator under SISFS, provides financial assistance for proof-of-concept, prototype development, market entry, and commercialization.

Physical Incubation & Infrastructure

  • Lab and prototyping facilities

  • Bench-top prototyping access

  • Workspace and meeting rooms

  • Event and networking spaces

Mentorship & Community Support

  • Clean-tech experts, engineers, and mentors

  • Guidance on policy, regulatory compliance, and investor connections

  • Innovation challenges to identify high-potential solutions

Clean-Tech / Climate Focus

Startups aligned with decarbonization, energy access, sustainable resource use, and efficiency improvements are prioritized.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Startup working in clean-tech, sustainability, or climate innovation

  • Age: less than 5 years from incorporation or at ideation stage

  • Stage: ideation to prototype, preferably bench-top prototype or proof-of-concept

  • Team size: preferably under 10 members

  • Commitment to physical incubation at Sangam if required

  • Legal status: registered or pre-registered entity (Private Limited, LLP, etc.)

Application Process

Step 1: Visit AIC-Sangam Website

  • Go to “Incubation Program” or “Apply Now / SISFS” pages

Step 2: Create Startup Identity & Prepare Documents

  • Obtain legal status: Private Limited / LLP

  • Register with Startup India / DPIIT if needed

  • Prepare team profiles, prototype or POC, pitch deck, business model, and market analysis

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Include: startup overview, problem & solution, impact potential, development stage, funding requirement, and usage plan

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • DPIIT / Startup India recognition

  • Pitch deck or prototype demo

  • Founders’ CVs / team profiles

Step 5: Screening & Pitch / Evaluation

  • Applications are screened for eligibility

  • Shortlisted startups invited for a pitch to mentors / selection committee

Step 6: Approval & Onboarding

  • Successful companies are onboarded

  • Sign MoU / agreements covering funding, incubation support, mentorship, and infrastructure

Step 7: Fund Disbursement

  • Funding under SISFS is tranche-based, tied to milestones such as prototype completion, pilot, or early commercialization

Step 8: Ongoing Support

  • Mentorship, lab/prototyping support, network connections, regulatory/compliance assistance

Funding Details

  • Funding depends on the scheme and evaluation

  • Typically grant or mixed (grant + convertible instrument)

  • Disbursed in phases based on milestones

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

  • Emphasize climate & sustainability impact

  • Showcase prototype or POC

  • Highlight a strong, experienced team

  • Define use of funds and milestones clearly

  • Demonstrate regulatory & technical feasibility

  • Articulate scalability and underserved impact

Conclusion

AIC-Sangam Innovation Foundation is a compelling platform for clean-tech and sustainability startups to access seed funding, incubation, and specialized support. By aligning your idea with Sangam’s clean-tech focus, preparing a prototype, assembling documentation, and presenting a compelling pitch, you can maximize your chances of selection, secure funding, and transform your innovation into impact.

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at IIT Guwahati BioNEST

IIT Guwahati BioNEST

Early-stage startups in biotechnology, diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, and biomaterials face unique challenges: validating proof-of-concept, navigating regulatory requirements, accessing labs and diagnostic tools, and entering the market. For innovators in Northeast India and beyond, the IIT Guwahati TIDF BioNEST incubator provides a robust launchpad.

BioNEST at IIT Guwahati is a government-supported incubation center under BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council). It offers a holistic ecosystem: lab infrastructure, mentorship, business support, seed funding, and regulatory guidance. This guide explains how to apply for seed fund incubation at IITG BioNEST, including eligibility, process, funding options, and tips to strengthen your application.

What is IIT Guwahati TIDF BioNEST?

Bio-Incubation Centre

BioNEST is located on the IIT Guwahati campus under the Technology Innovation & Development Foundation (TIDF) umbrella, providing startups with state-of-the-art labs, instrumentation, and support facilities.

Supported by BIRAC

BIRAC, under the Government of India, supports BioNEST to foster biotech innovation and entrepreneurship.

Sector Focus

BioNEST primarily incubates startups in:

  • Healthcare diagnostics

  • Biomaterials & industrial biotechnology

  • Frugal diagnostics & agritech

  • Traditional & modern biomaterials

Ecosystem Support

  • Lab access: instrumentation, fabrication, testing, and characterization

  • Mentorship: IITG faculty, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs

  • Regulatory & IP guidance

  • Market access & certification support

Capacity & Impact

BioNEST currently supports 60+ incubatees, has graduated multiple startups, filed patents, commercialized technologies, and enabled startups to raise significant funds.

Seed Fund & Funding Programs

StartUp India Seed Fund

  • Up to ₹50 lakh (grant or investment) for biotech/deep-tech startups

  • Supports prototype development, proof-of-concept, and commercialization

NEC Ignite Grant

  • For startups registered in Northeastern states

  • Grant up to ₹10 lakh for prototype validation and early-stage development

Other Schemes

  • DST-NIDHI Seed Support System

  • SPARSH by BIRAC (agri-sector/social innovators)

  • HDFC Parivartan (clean energy & deep-tech startups)

Eligibility Criteria

Incorporation & Legal Status

  • Registered Company or LLP in India

  • Preferably DPIIT Startup India recognized

Sector & Innovation Orientation

  • Biotechnology, healthcare, diagnostics, industrial biotech, biomaterials, agritech

  • Innovative solution with proof-of-concept or prototype

Geographic Preference

  • Emphasis on startups from Northeastern states (required for NEC Ignite)

Ownership & Control

  • At least 51% Indian promoter ownership

Stage of Development

  • Early-stage startups: ideation, validation, prototype, or MVP stage

  • Focused on commercialization, not just academic research

Commitment & Regulatory Readiness

  • Commitment to physical incubation and active engagement

  • Prior lab work, trials, or regulatory/IP readiness strengthens the application

Application Process

Step 1: Explore BioNEST Website & Schemes

  • Check available funding schemes, eligibility, and dashboards at bionestiitg.in

Step 2: Prepare Proposal / Letter of Intent (LOI)

  • Describe technology/product, problem, and solution

  • Indicate faculty engagement for mentoring or technical support

  • Share prototype status or proof-of-concept

Step 3: Submit Application / Registration

  • Complete online form with startup overview, team, business model, funding requirement, and milestones

Step 4: Screening & Evaluation

  • Alignment with BioNEST goals, innovation potential, team strength, feasibility

  • Reviewed by Dean of Incubation / Board of Directors / IITG faculty

Step 5: Pitch / Presentation

  • Shortlisted startups present to selection committee

  • Walk through product, prototype, financials, regulatory, and commercialization plan

Step 6: Incubation Agreement / MoU

  • Terms: duration, lab access, fees (if any), IP rights, graduation criteria

Step 7: Seed Fund Disbursement

  • Phased funding tied to milestones: prototype completion, validation, regulatory approvals

Step 8: Support & Monitoring

  • Mentorship, lab support, regulatory/IP guidance, market access

  • Periodic reviews, audits, and reporting

Step 9: Graduation / Exit

  • After milestones are met or commercial launch

  • Exit may involve royalty or graduation fee, depending on agreement

Infrastructure, Support & Facilities

  • Affordable office and lab space with conference rooms

  • Access to Centre for Nanotechnology (CFN) labs at IITG

  • Mentorship from doctors, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs

  • Regulatory compliance, IP filing, technology transfer support

  • Networking with investors, VCs, angel funds, and grant agencies

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly define problem, solution, and impact

  • Show a prototype or proof-of-concept, even partial

  • Highlight team expertise: biology, engineering, regulatory, commercialization

  • Demonstrate awareness of regulatory and IP requirements

  • Set realistic milestones & fund utilization plan

  • Show market understanding: users, scalability, competition

  • Align your proposal with the specific scheme (NEC Ignite, StartUp India Seed Fund)

Conclusion

The IIT Guwahati TIDF BioNEST incubator is a launchpad for biotech startups, especially in Northeast India. With strong teams, innovation, proof-of-concept, and commercialization planning, startups can leverage mentorship, lab access, funding, and networking. Prepare your idea, submit your application, and step into a structured ecosystem to transform your biotech innovation into commercial success.

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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.