Government of India

The Government of India administers a large-scale startup support framework through its Startup India initiative, which began in 2016 under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The central government extends financial assistance, tax concessions, regulatory ease, and guidance to recognised startups nationwide. Notable components include the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), the Fund of Funds for Startups managed via SIDBI, and sector-focused programmes from ministries such as MeitY, DST, BIRAC, and the Ministry of MSME.

In addition to Startup India, the central government finances Technology Innovation Hubs at IITs under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, operates the ATAL Innovation Mission for school-level tinkering labs and incubators, and backs the NIDHI programme for incubator development. Several departments run grant and equity-free funding initiatives aimed at specific fields, including agriculture, biotechnology, defence, and clean energy.

DPIIT-recognised startups are eligible for tax exemptions, reduced compliance burdens, public procurement advantages, and self-certification under labour and environmental regulations. The ecosystem serves a broad range of participants, from student innovators to growth-stage companies across India.