Introduction
India’s startup ecosystem has entered a golden era of innovation — driven by bold ideas, women-led ventures, and world-class incubation programs.
Among the most transformative forces in this space stands the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation, one of the few incubation centers in India built with a strong focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting deep-tech, social, and sustainability-driven startups.
Supported under the Atal Innovation Mission by NITI Aayog, the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation offers access to mentorship, funding, and business acceleration programs — including the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), which provides early-stage capital to startups to help them validate, prototype, and scale their business ideas.
This article covers everything you need to know about how to apply for the seed fund incubator at AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation, including eligibility, process, benefits, and why this incubator is an exceptional launchpad for early-stage startups.
1. About AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation
Established in 2018, the Atal Incubation Centre – Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation (AIC-BVF) is part of India’s premier network of incubators under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). It operates within Banasthali Vidyapith, a globally recognized women’s university with over 85 years of excellence in education and social innovation.
Vision
To empower women entrepreneurs and innovators to transform their ideas into scalable and impactful ventures.
Mission
To create a thriving ecosystem for women-led startups through incubation, mentoring, funding, and global exposure.
Focus Areas
AIC-BVF supports startups across sectors like:
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AgriTech and Food Processing
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EdTech
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HealthTech and Wellness
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Clean Energy and Sustainability
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FashionTech and Handicrafts
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Social Enterprises and Women-led Innovations
The incubator is known for nurturing startups that balance profit with purpose — enabling women founders to become leaders of economic and social change.
2. Understanding the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Seed Fund Program
The AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Seed Fund Program operates under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
This initiative aims to bridge the funding gap faced by early-stage entrepreneurs who struggle to raise capital from investors before they have a validated product or market traction.
Funding Support
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Grant Assistance (Up to ₹20 Lakhs)
For idea validation, prototype development, and product testing. -
Equity or Convertible Debt (Up to ₹50 Lakhs)
For startups ready to enter the market, commercialize, and scale operations.
The program’s goal is to ensure that promising startups — especially women-led ones — have the resources to transition from idea to a revenue-generating business.
3. Eligibility Criteria for Applying to the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Seed Fund
To apply for the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Seed Fund, startups must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Must be recognized by DPIIT under the Startup India initiative
Must be an Indian startup incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm
Should not be more than 10 years old from the date of incorporation
Should have an annual turnover below ₹100 crore in any financial year
Indian promoters must hold at least 51% equity in the startup
Must have a proof of concept, prototype, or early traction
Preference is given to women-led and social-impact startups
Note: AIC-BVF encourages applications from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, ensuring that innovation reaches beyond metropolitan boundaries.
4. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Seed Fund at AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation
Here’s the complete application process explained in detail:
Step 1: Apply Online
Visit the official Startup India Seed Fund portal:
https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in
Select AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation as your preferred incubator from the available list.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Provide detailed information about your startup, such as:
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Problem statement and your innovative solution
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Target market and customer segments
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Product development status (prototype/MVP)
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Funding requirement and utilization plan
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Expected outcomes and milestones
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Attach these essential documents:
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DPIIT recognition certificate
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Certificate of incorporation
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Founder’s KYC
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Detailed business plan or pitch deck
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Financial projections and revenue plan
Step 4: Screening and Evaluation
The AIC-BVF internal committee evaluates each application based on:
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Innovation potential
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Market opportunity
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Scalability and impact
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Founders’ capability and team strength
Step 5: Pitch Session
Shortlisted startups are invited for an online/offline pitch before a selection committee comprising:
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Domain experts
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Industry mentors
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Investors and ecosystem partners
Step 6: Selection and Onboarding
Selected startups receive:
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Seed funding support
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Incubation services
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Mentorship and training
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Access to AIC-BVF’s national and international network
The entire process ensures transparency, inclusivity, and merit-based selection.
5. Key Benefits of Getting Incubated at AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation
Being part of the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation ecosystem comes with unparalleled advantages:
Seed Funding Assistance
Startups receive up to ₹50 lakhs through grants and equity to develop prototypes, test markets, and scale operations.
Mentorship Network
Access to a curated network of 250+ industry mentors, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and domain specialists.
Investor Connect
Exposure to angel investors, venture capitalists, and CSR-linked funds to raise follow-on investments.
Infrastructure and Workspace
World-class co-working spaces, meeting rooms, labs, and product testing facilities at Banasthali Vidyapith’s innovation hub.
Corporate and Government Collaborations
Partnerships with corporates, ministries, and innovation councils like NITI Aayog, DST, and UN Women India.
Capacity Building Programs
Workshops, bootcamps, and leadership programs to enhance entrepreneurial skills — especially tailored for women founders.
Networking and Exposure
Opportunities to participate in global accelerators, investor summits, and innovation challenges.
Women-Centric Ecosystem
As India’s leading women’s university incubator, AIC-BVF fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that addresses unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
6. Success Stories from AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation
AIC-BVF has been instrumental in supporting some remarkable startups that are redefining India’s innovation landscape:
Fia Global – A fintech startup empowering women in rural India through digital payment solutions.
Nabh Drishti – A social enterprise creating eco-friendly fashion accessories from recycled materials.
Aadvik Foods – India’s first camel milk brand, scaling rapidly with the support of AIC-BVF’s mentorship network.
EdSaarthi – An AI-based edtech platform improving access to personalized education in remote areas.
These startups showcase AIC-BVF’s commitment to nurturing innovation with impact — where business meets social change.
7. Why Choose AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation for Seed Funding
If you’re an entrepreneur ready to bring your vision to life, AIC-BVF provides everything you need to succeed.
Here’s why founders across India choose this incubator:
Strong Women Empowerment Focus:
Empowering women founders to lead innovation and create sustainable ventures.
Global Exposure:
International exchange programs with partners across the USA, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Comprehensive Support System:
From ideation to commercialization — AIC-BVF provides mentorship, market access, and investor connects.
Proven Track Record:
Dozens of startups have scaled nationally and globally through its programs.
Impact-Driven Vision:
Supports sustainable development goals (SDGs) through technology, innovation, and inclusivity.
In short — AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation is not just an incubator, it’s a movement for women-led innovation in India.
8. Contact Information
📍 Address:
AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation,
Banasthali Vidyapith Campus,
Tonk District, Rajasthan – 304022
📧 Email: info@aicbvfoundation.in
🌐 Website: www.aicbvfoundation.in
📞 Phone: +91 1438 228 456
Conclusion
As India’s startup ecosystem continues to soar, the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Foundation stands out as a catalyst for innovation and empowerment.
Its seed fund program is not merely financial support — it’s a commitment to nurturing creativity, courage, and change among women entrepreneurs and social innovators.
If you have a vision that blends technology, purpose, and impact, then applying for the AIC Banasthali Vidyapith Seed Fund could be your turning point — the first step toward building something extraordinary.
