5 government schemes you should know about
Happy Thursday!
Hey everyone,
We often think of government schemes as either too complicated or too far removed from our lives.
But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that some of these programs are quietly fueling innovation, startups, healthcare, elder support, and even job creation.
So today, we’re spotlighting 5 lesser-known government schemes that are actually doing a lot for Bharat and its people.
1. NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations)
Launched by: Department of Science & Technology (DST) in 2016
NIDHI is a one-stop solution for young innovators and startups. It provides mentorship, funding, prototyping support, and even helps startups scale. The ecosystem includes FabLabs, tinkering labs, seed funding, and innovation fellowships.
Over 4,000 startups are supported through the NIDHI program components like PRAYAS (Product Innovation), Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), and Seed Support System (SSS).
It has created over 20,000 jobs in the last few years.
It is backed deep-tech and socially impactful startups in sectors like agri-tech, med-tech, and clean energy.
2. GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups)
Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) in 2022
GENESIS aims to democratize innovation across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It's an umbrella program to give tech startups the infrastructure, funding, and access they need to build global solutions.
Key features:
It provides startup accelerators and digital innovation hubs.
Focused on regional inclusion, especially for startups from smaller towns that often get overlooked.
Its pilot phase onboarded over 250 startups, with the goal to reach 10,000+ startups in five years.
3. BIRAC SEED Fund
Launched by: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under DBT, in 2015
If you’re in biotech, this is the place to start. The BIRAC SEED Fund helps early-stage biotech startups cross the notorious "Valley of Death" (the stage between idea and product.)
Support includes:
Grants of up to ₹50 lakhs
Access to Bio-incubators and mentorship networks
Emphasis on healthcare, agriculture, and environmental biotech
Achievements:
Over 1,500 startups funded
Created 700+ biotech products and IPs
Helped startups like String Bio and Pandorum Technologies go global
4. DCIS (Design-Linked Incentive for Semiconductor Design)
Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and IT, 2021
India is building its own chip ecosystem. DCIS offers up to 50% financial support to startups and companies working on chip design, IP, and embedded systems.
Who benefits?
Engineering students working on chip architecture
SMEs designing IoT or mobile chip solutions
Startups in electronics, defense, or automotive tech
And what about its impact?
Over 30 semiconductor startups onboarded
Projects include AI chips, automotive sensors, and 5G infrastructure
Part of India’s $10 billion semiconductor mission
5. SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine)
Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 2021
India’s elderly population is projected to hit 300 million by 2050. SAGE funds and supports startups working in the eldercare sector like, medical devices, mental health, companionship platforms, home care, etc.
What does it provide?
Seed funding up to ₹1 crore
Pilot projects, mentoring, and market access
And so far…
It has selected and supported over 100 startups in its first year
Its initiatives range from AI-based health monitoring to community networks for elder companionship
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋
