NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Programme) – Ahmedabad University VentureStudio
Offered By - Ahmedabad University, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government Of India
About the Program
Founder Insight
“This programme is best suited for startups that have already developed an MVP and validated their product with customers but require early-stage capital to achieve commercial traction. If your startup is preparing for market launch rather than basic research, NIDHI-SSP offers both funding and structured incubation support to accelerate growth.”
The NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Programme) at Ahmedabad University VentureStudio is an early-stage seed funding program for Indian technology startups that have progressed beyond the idea stage and are working towards commercializing innovative products. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, the programme provides milestone-based funding to help startups transition from prototype to market-ready products.
Unlike traditional grants, the NIDHI-SSP provides investment through Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCD) or other equity-linked instruments, making it suitable for startups with commercial potential and a clear growth strategy. The funding is intended to support product development, technical validation, regulatory approvals, pilot deployments, and market entry while helping startups become investment-ready.
The programme is implemented by VentureStudio, Ahmedabad University’s technology business incubator, through a structured evaluation and milestone-based disbursement process. In addition to capital, selected startups receive technical mentoring, commercialization guidance, investor readiness support, and access to the VentureStudio ecosystem. Funding is released in phases based on predefined project milestones and regular progress reviews.
Preference is given to product-based startups working in sectors such as FinTech, CleanTech, AgriTech, Healthcare, and Impact-for-Profit, especially those solving high-priority national challenges with validated customer demand and a strong value proposition.
Offerings / Benefits
- Seed investment typically between ₹20 lakh and ₹50 lakh.
- Exceptional funding up to ₹1 crore.
- Milestone-based funding support.
- Product and technology development funding.
- Market entry and pilot testing support.
- Regulatory testing and certification support.
- IP filing assistance.
- Technical mentoring.
- Consultancy support.
- Limited technical hiring support (subject to programme limits).
- Investor readiness support.
- Commercialization support.
Who Can Apply / Eligibility
- Must be a company registered in India.
- Preferably DPIIT-recognized or have applied for DPIIT recognition.
- Must have completed at least three months of association with VentureStudio (resident or virtual incubation).
- Must have developed a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) through customer validation.
- Must have an established value proposition for target customers.
- At least 51% shareholding should be held by Indian promoters.
- Must have a formal business plan.
- Startup should have achieved the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage.
- Must have a clear path towards generating commercial returns.
Selection Process
The official implementation process includes:
- Online application during open calls.
- Initial screening of proposals.
- Evaluation by VentureStudio team and expert jury.
- Selection of startups.
- Signing of a CCD-based legal agreement.
- Joint definition of project milestones.
- Milestone-based fund disbursement.
- Regular monitoring, reporting, and investor readiness support.
How to Apply
- Review the official NIDHI-SSP guidelines.
- Ensure all eligibility requirements are met.
- Submit the online application during the open call.
- Participate in the screening and evaluation process.
- If selected, execute the legal agreement with VentureStudio before fund disbursement.
Source & Verification
All information is compiled from publicly available sources. Refer to the links below for most accurate & updated details. Disclaimer
- Source 1: ahduni.edu.in
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Must be a company registered in India.
- Preferably DPIIT-recognized or have applied for DPIIT recognition.
- Must have completed at least three months of association with VentureStudio (resident or virtual incubation).
- Must have developed a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) through customer validation.
- Must have an established value proposition for target customers.
- At least 51% shareholding should be held by Indian promoters.
- Must have a formal business plan.
- Startup should have achieved the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage.
- Must have a clear path towards generating commercial returns.