NIDHI Seed Support Program at AIC Banasthali (For Women Entrepreneurs)

Up to ₹50L equity-linked seed support for women-led Indian startups incubated at AIC Banasthali.

The NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) is a Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India initiative that channels seed capital to early-stage startups through empanelled incubators. AIC Banasthali Vidyapith deploys this fund exclusively for women-led startups — primarily, but not limited to, science and technology ventures.

The capital is intended for startups that have moved past the idea stage and need timely fuel to build their financial foundation before raising follow-on rounds from angels, venture capitalists, or commercial banks.

What the funding covers

The seed support can be used for day-to-day operational costs, proof-of-concept studies, product development and prototyping, hiring and professional consultancy, mentoring, market research, IPR costs, gap funding before the next round, and validation studies needed to unlock subsequent fundraises.

How disbursement works

Investment is made as equity or equity-linked instruments (so this is not equity-free). The standard ticket is approx. ₹25 lakh, with the upper bound going up to ₹50 lakh for high-potential cases as deemed fit by the Seed Support Management Committee. AIC Banasthali takes one Board Nominee Director and/or observer seat on funded startups.

Why apply through AIC Banasthali specifically

AIC Banasthali is positioned as a women-focused incubator inside Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. The women-only nature of this seed pool means applicants compete in a narrower, more aligned pool than the open NIDHI-SSP cohorts at other incubators.