What is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)?
A practical answer for founders incorporating or running a startup in India.
SISFS gives early-stage money through government-selected incubators — not directly from a central portal to your bank account. Typical support is up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept, prototype, or product trials, and up to ₹50 lakh for market entry, commercialisation, or scaling, depending on the incubator’s mandate.
You apply to a participating incubator. They diligence the idea, then disburse in tranches against milestones. DPIIT recognition and a real prototype (or a tight plan for one) help. This is grant-style / incubator funding, not a substitute for a priced VC round.
Check the current incubator list on the Startup India site — the roster changes, and each incubator runs its own application window.
This is educational information, not legal, tax, or FEMA advice. Confirm the current MCA, GST, and RBI position with a professional before you file.