Seed Support System (SSS) is a scheme under IBITF funded by the National Mission- Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical System (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST) that provides financial assistance to start-ups with promising ideas, innovations, and technologies. A wide gap exists in financial support required by technology-driven start-ups in their initial phase, which is not being addressed properly. The SSS will allow for funding promising ideas and incubate them until investors obtain the next funding. The seed support will facilitate the development and commercialization of innovative technologies/products/services in a relatively hassle-free manner. Innovative entrepreneurs and innovators can promote their technology to attract investments from well-known investors with the help of funding. Funds are allocated for early-stage funding for indigenous ideas and technologies that require upscaling. The basic objectives of CPS-SSS involve:

• Ensure timely availability of seed support for deserving incubators.

• Provide a platform for innovative entrepreneurs to carry their idea to commercialization.

• Widens the pipeline of incubators by attracting more innovators.

• Allow entrepreneurs to carry forward their start-up with minimal risk.

The Proposals may be submitted for a maximum duration of 3 years. Initially, the proposal will be funded for 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance. Under this scheme, the TIH will provide funding of up to ₹3 crore per year. Additional support may be provided by the industries already in collaboration with the TIH, if they are interested in marketing the product.

If multiple institutes intend to apply as a consortium, the budget allocation may be increased subject to the details and scope outlined in the proposal.

Based on the performance in terms of prototype acceptability and the interest from industry (especially those already in collaboration with the IBITF) to market the product after production, one of the start-ups supported by the TIH will be involved in the SSS program for commercialization and productization