List of National Grants for Startups
Launched In: 2021
Best For (Startup Type): Early-stage tech startups needing proof of concept, MVP development, and commercialization
​​
Grant Range: ₹20 lakh (proof of concept) + ₹50 lakh (product development, market entry)
Launched On: 2012
Best For (Startup Type): Biotech, healthcare, and life sciences startups
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹50 lakh for PoC and early research
NIDHI–PRAYAS​
Launched On: 2016
Best For (Startup Type): Early idea-stage startups developing prototypes​
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹10 lakh per innovator
Digital India BHASHINI
Launched On: 2022
Best For (Startup Type): AI/ML, language translation tech startups
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹50 lakh depending on project scope
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
Launched On: 2016
Best For (Startup Type): Deeptech, hardware innovation, social impact startups, young innovators
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹10 crore per Atal Incubation Centre (for distribution among startups)
Support for International Patent Protection (SIP-EIT)
Launched On: 2010
Best For (Startup Type): Electronics, IT startups needing support for global patent filings
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹15 lakh per international patent filing
US–India Science & Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF)
Launched On: 2009
Best For (Startup Type): Indo-US collaborative startups in healthcare, environment, and technology
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹2.5 crore (~$400,000) jointly awarded to Indian & US partner startups
NIDHI–Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)
Launched On: 2008
Best For (Startup Type): Startups with a prototype ready for market entry
​
Grant Range: ₹25 lakh to ₹100 lakh per startup
Agri Business Incubation (RKVY-RAFTAAR)
Launched On: 2018
Best For (Startup Type): Agri-tech startups, food processing innovations​
​
Grant Range: Funding up to ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh
Stand-Up India Scheme
Launched On: 2016
Best For (Startup Type): Greenfield startups by SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
​
Grant Range: Bank loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
ASPIRE (Promotion of Innovation in Rural Industries)
Launched On: 2015
Best For (Startup Type): Rural and agro-based startups and village industries
​
Grant Range: Funding via incubation centers, up to ₹1 crore for hubs
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
Launched On: 2005
Best For (Startup Type): Small businesses, micro-enterprises, early entrepreneurs
​
Grant Range: Loans up to ₹10 lakh (Shishu, Kishore, Tarun categories)
Technology Development Fund (TDF – DRDO)
Launched On: 2016
Best For (Startup Type): Defense, aerospace, and strategic technology startups
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹10 crore per project
Digital India GENESIS
Launched On: 2023
Best For (Startup Type): Startups from Tier II/III cities building digital platforms/products
​
Grant Range: ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh depending on project stage
TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs)
Launched On: 2019
Best For (Startup Type): Startups in AI, IoT, Blockchain, and emerging ICT sectors
​
Grant Range: Up to ₹7 lakh per entrepreneur; higher for specialized incubators