Startup fundraising · Government Funding Streams

NIDHI (EIR / PRAYAS / Seed Support) + BIRAC

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Nidhi Schemes (Dst): NIDHI-EIR (Entrepreneur-in-Residence): ₹30K/month stipend for 1 year to individual innovators. Register an entity if selected.; NIDHI-PRAYAS: ₹15L for proof of concept, prototyping at PRAYAS centres in IITs/NITs; NIDHI Seed Support: ₹20L-₹1.5Cr via incubators for scalable deep-tech ideas.

Provisions

DST · Dept of Science & Technology

Analysis

Birac (Biotechnology): BIRAC BIG: ₹50L equity-free grant for biotech/life sciences startups with innovative product idea; BIRAC SBIRI: ₹50L-₹5Cr for startups solving specific biotech challenges defined by BIRAC; Biotech, pharma, agri-biotech, medtech, diagnostic, all covered under BIRAC. Eligibility: NIDHI: DPIIT recognition helpful but not always mandatory, varies by sub-scheme; BIRAC BIG: Must be incorporated startup, IP in startup's name or being created; Deep-tech, science-backed startups preferred. Commercial software without R&D component typically ineligible.; Apply via birac.nic.in (BIRAC) or nidhi.dst.gov.in (NIDHI) Grant Agreement: Milestone-based disbursement. IP developed must be owned by the startup. Government may retain a royalty-free, non-exclusive licence to use the IP for public purposes. IP clause: Read carefully.

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  1. Detailed project proposal (technical)
  2. IP status (patent filed/granted)
  3. Incorporation cert + DPIIT cert
  4. Technical team CVs
  5. Budget breakdown and utilisation plan
  6. Letter of support from institution (if any)

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