Funding & Grants for
Indian Startups

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant from BIRAC provides funding to early-stage biotech startups and individual innovators for proof-of-concept and prototype development in biotech, medtech, and agritech.

Provides financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialisation. Funds are provided through DPIIT-recognised incubators.

A Rs 10,000 crore fund to provide equity funding to startups through AIFs. SIDBI acts as the fund manager. AIFs receiving FFS capital must invest at least 2/3 of their corpus in startups.

Gujarat government iStart programme provides grant funding, mentorship, and market access to startups registered in Gujarat. Special focus on manufacturing, textiles, pharma, and export-oriented businesses.

T-Hub, one of the world largest startup incubators in Hyderabad, offers grant funding and equity investment to startups through cohort and direct programmes backed by Telangana state.

DST provides a monthly stipend to innovators who leave their jobs to work full-time on their startup idea. Removes the financial risk of quitting a salary. One of the most underrated schemes in India.

Science and Engineering Research Board grant for early career researchers at academic institutions who are building deep-tech innovations. Excellent for founders coming from IITs, IIMs, research labs wanting to commercialise research.

MSME scheme providing grants via Technology Business Incubators for rural and agri-based innovation. Focuses on creating rural employment and livelihood through technology.

Rajasthan government provides financial incentives, subsidies, and grants to startups registered in Rajasthan. Special provisions for women entrepreneurs, SC/ST founders, and tourism-tech startups.

NABARD supports innovative rural enterprises working in agriculture, allied sectors, and rural infrastructure. Provides low-interest loans and grants to startups solving real rural India problems.

Dedicated Startup India support for women-led startups including priority evaluation for SISFS, mentorship matching, and networking with women investor networks. Women founders get a 20% reserved quota in SISFS.

Odisha government support for tech startups with seed grants, co-working facilities, and corporate partner connections. Strong focus on healthcare, agriculture, and smart city solutions.

Ministry of MSME operates 18 Technology Centres offering subsidised manufacturing, testing, and prototype development. Deep discounts on CAD/CAM, 3D printing, CNC machining for startups.

KSUM provides comprehensive support for Kerala startups including product development grants, market development assistance, international travel support, and subsidised co-working at Startup Village.

Tamil Nadu has one of India most proactive state startup policies. Offers seed funding through TANSIDCO and manufacturing pilot access through industrial estates. Strong MSME and manufacturing ecosystem support.

Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs - MEITY scheme supporting tech startups through 51 approved incubators. For software, hardware, IoT, AI, ML startups.

Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring innovators - a DST grant for individual innovators to build prototypes. Part of the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations.

Maharashtra Innovation Society provides grant funding, mentorship, and connections to corporate innovation labs in Mumbai and Pune through the iCreate initiative and Maharashtra Startup Week.