COVID Resource Section

Information & Resources For The Startup Ecosystem

Resources for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for the startup ecosystem of India. The Government of India has joined hands with various stakeholders to offer support to startups. We are trying to combat the pandemic using innovative solutions created by entrepreneurs, we are conducting webinars to offer strategic mentorship to startups, we are helping incubators go virtual. This section offers information and resources for startups, incubators, investors, and mentors to find their footing in these uncertain times.      

 

Funding Sources Available for Startups Fighting Against COVID-19
1 Grant Opportunities
  • Action COVID-19 Team (ACT) – ACT has set-up an INR 100 cr grant, created by India’s start-up community to give wings to ideas that could combat COVID-19 with immediate impact. We are seeking capital-efficient, scalable solutions from NGOs and innovative startups which need an initial seed grant to fight the spread of the pandemic. Link: https://actgrants.in/
  • United States - India Science and Technology Endowment Fund (COVID-19 Ignition Grants) – The United States–India Science & Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF) seeks to support and foster joint applied R&D to generate public good through the commercialization of technology developed through sustained partnerships between U.S. and Indian researchers and entrepreneurs. The current global crisis underscores the importance and relevance of USISTEF activities. Link: https://www.iusstf.org/assets/sitesfile/image/counselling/announcement_1677132591.pdf
2 Equity
3 Debt/Returnable Grant Opportunities
  • SIDBI SAFE – Responsive to the need of the hour to fight Corona Virus from all fronts, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched SAFE (SIDBI Assistance to Facilitate Emergency response against Corona Virus) scheme. It is a financial assistance program for MSEs which are engaged in the manufacturing of products or offers services related to fighting the novel coronavirus, which has been declared a pandemic. Link: https://sidbi.in/files/pressrelease/Press-Release_SIDBI-launches-SAFE-(SIDBI-Assistance-to-Facilitate-Emergency-response-against-Corona-Virus)-scheme.pdf
  • SIDBI SAFE PLUS – SIDBI has launched this scheme to provide emergency working capital to MSMEs producing goods and services directly related to fighting corona virus, against specific orders from the government/government agencies. Link: https://sidbi.in/files/banners/SAFE%20PLus%20-%20One%20Pager.pdf
  • DST CAWACH – The Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH) is an initiative by National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Given the impact of COVID-19 globally and in India, the need of the hour is to support R&D efforts in this direction and end any further damage to the economy. Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is supporting innovations offering comprehensive solutions. Link: https://isba.in/cawach/
  • SIDBI CSAS – SIDBI recognizes the operational and financial challenges being faced by the start-ups and endeavors to provide financial assistance and stability via its Covid-19 Startup Assistance Scheme (‘CSAS’). This scheme will aid innovative startups that have demonstrated ability to adapt to economic impact from Covid-19 and have ensured employees’ safety and financial stability. Link: https://sidbi.in/files/announcements/SIDBI_CSAS-Scheme_Details.pdf
4 Knowledge Platforms
  • Startups vs COVID-19 by 91Springboard – A repository of resources for Indian startups solving challenges created by COVID-19 voluntarily supported by 91Springboard. Link: https://www.startupsvscovid.com/
Open Challenges Against COVID-19

 

 Discovery by Innovative Solutions: A Call by Startup India

In case you missed out applying Startup India's Challenge to COmbat COVID-19, click on the link below to submit your solution:

COVID-19 Innovative Solutions

 

View Startup Solutions for COVID-19 Supported by COVID-19 Taskforce under the below categories

Regulatory Reforms & Economic support
Sessions Conducted By Startup India
Supply to the Government via GeM

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has launched the COVID-19 platform to list all the suppliers and their products that can be used to curb the Corona outbreak. GeM has also fast-tracked registrations for manufacturers and resellers to register and list their products on the platform.

 

Need help in registration? Write to us at dipp-startups@nic.in.

 

Investor Engagement With Startups

Want to connect with investors for any query? Need any webinar on investment landscape for startups during COVID-19? Write to us at dipp-startups@nic.in for all investor-related queries and get personalized resolution straight from the investors!

 

Please Note:

Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be emailed at technicalquery.covid19@gov.in and other queries on ncov2019@gov.in. In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no. : +91-11-23978046 or 1075 (Toll-free). List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available here.