Startup Grants & Funding for Indian College Students

Raising venture capital as a 19-year-old is hard, but getting non-dilutive grants is easier than you think. Here is how to fund your student startup.

1. NIDHI-EIR (Entrepreneur-in-Residence)

The NIDHI-EIR program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) provides a fellowship of up to ₹30,000 per month for 18 months to young entrepreneurs. It is perfect for graduating students looking to pursue their startup full-time.

2. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

Approved incubators can provide up to ₹20 Lakhs as a grant for validation of Proof of Concept, prototype development, or product trials. Many college incubators are officially part of this scheme.

3. The Equity-Based Alternative

If you need to build a tech product but don't have the ₹5-10 Lakhs required to pay an agency, raising money isn't your only option. You can partner with an equity-based builder.