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Governments offer real money, tax breaks and support to startups, but the programs are scattered and the language is dense. Here is a plain-language guide to the most useful ones, what they give you, and how to apply. India-first, with key international programs too.
Start with recognition, then unlock the rest. Most Indian benefits flow from one foundational step: getting your startup recognised by DPIIT under Startup India. Do that first, then layer on funding, tax benefits and sector grants.
Get recognised
Register and get DPIIT recognition. It is the key that unlocks most other benefits.
Claim benefits
Apply for tax exemptions, the Seed Fund, and sector grants you qualify for.
Go local
Layer on your state's startup mission for extra grants, space and reimbursements.
DPIIT recognition (Startup India)
Recognition by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is the official "you are a startup" stamp under the Startup India initiative. It is free, done online, and is the prerequisite for tax exemptions, the Seed Fund, easier compliance and government tender relaxations.
What you get
- Self-certification on labour and environment laws
- Faster, cheaper patent and trademark filing
- Eligibility for tax exemptions and the Seed Fund
- Easier access to government tenders
Who qualifies
- Incorporated as a private limited company, LLP or registered partnership
- Under 10 years old
- Turnover under ₹100 crore in any year
- Working on innovation or improvement of products, processes or services
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
The Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) gives early-stage startups money for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialisation. You apply through government-approved incubators, which disburse the funds.
What you get
- Up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for prototype or proof of concept
- Up to ₹50 lakh for market entry or scaling, via convertible debentures or debt
- Mentorship and incubation support
Who qualifies
- DPIIT-recognised, under 2 years old at application
- A business idea with a workable product or solution
- Not received more than ₹10 lakh from other government schemes
Tax benefits
Recognised startups can apply for income-tax exemptions that meaningfully extend runway in the early years. Two matter most: the three-year tax holiday under Section 80-IAC, and exemption from "angel tax" on share premium under Section 56.
Section 80-IAC
- 100% tax deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years out of the first 10
- Requires DPIIT recognition and a separate application to the inter-ministerial board
Section 56 (angel tax)
- Exemption from tax on the premium at which shares are issued to investors
- Removes a common early-funding tax trap
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
You do not apply to the Fund of Funds directly. Managed by SIDBI, it invests in SEBI-registered alternative investment funds (AIFs), which in turn invest in startups. The practical takeaway: many Indian VCs you would pitch are partly backed by this, which expands the capital available to startups.
Learn about SIDBI & FFS →Sector-specific grants
If you are building in science, biotech or frontier tech, sector grants give you money without taking equity. The main ones:
BIRAC
- Grants and support for biotech and life-sciences startups
- Schemes like BIG and SEED for ideas and early prototypes
MeitY & DST
- TIDE 2.0 for tech startups via incubators
- NIDHI programs from the Department of Science & Technology
State startup missions
On top of central schemes, almost every state has a startup policy with its own grants, incubation space, reimbursements (for patents, marketing, rent) and sometimes a monthly allowance. Benefits vary widely, so check your home state's startup mission. We now map this properly: deep dives on the 11 states that matter most, 15 emerging states, plus Startup By Women and Startup For Good tracks.
Open the state schemes hub → Find your state's policy →Outside India
United States
- SBIR/STTR: federal R&D grants for small businesses
- State and city innovation grants
Europe
- EIC Accelerator: grants and blended finance for deep tech
- Horizon Europe research funding