Scheme For Women Entrepreneurs Mahila Udyam Nidhi (MUN) 2026

This scheme is designed to help Scheduled Caste students and young SC differently-abled individuals turn their innovative, Read More... technology-driven business ideas into successful companies by offering incubation support and funding. Read less

Details

In a move to empower the entrepreneurial spirit within the Scheduled Caste community, the Government of India launched the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) on September 30, 2020. This initiative by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment aims to nurture groundbreaking ideas from SC students and SC youth with disabilities.

What Is This Scheme?

The ASIIM scheme acts as a bridge for Scheduled Caste (SC) students and SC differently-abled youth to transform their innovative, technology-oriented business concepts into thriving commercial ventures. It focuses on supporting promising ideas through collaboration with Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and offers essential financial backing and guidance.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme primarily targets young individuals from the Scheduled Caste community. This includes SC students in higher educational institutions, SC youth identified by various incubation centers, and those who have been recognized through initiatives like the Smart India Hackathon. The goal is to help them build successful start-ups and translate their innovative thoughts into reality.

Why This Scheme Is Important

ASIIM plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and enterprise within a community that often faces systemic barriers. By providing equity support, incubation facilities, and mentorship, the scheme aims to create a level playing field, enabling SC entrepreneurs to develop their ventures, create employment, and contribute to the nation's economic growth.

Objective

This scheme is designed to help Scheduled Caste students and young SC differently-abled individuals turn their innovative, technology-driven business ideas into successful companies by offering incubation support and funding.

Benefits

The scheme provides financial assistance for projects with a cost up to ₹10,00,000/-.

The assistance includes a Term Loan component covering 65% of the project cost.

The assistance includes a Seed Capital component covering 25% of the project cost.

The applicant receives a concessional rate of interest that is 0.5% less than the normal interest rate charged for loans.

The applicant receives a 50% concession on the investigation fee.

The calculated Debt-Equity Ratio (D.E.R) for the project is 1.857:1.

Repayment and Term Details

The repayment period for the Term Loan is 6 to 8 years, which includes a moratorium period of 1 to 2 years.

The repayment period for the Seed Capital is 10 years.

The Promoter's contribution required is 10% of the project cost.

Conditions

Collateral security in the form of immovable property must be offered, in addition to the mortgage or hypothecation of proposed fixed assets.

For units promoted by women entrepreneurs, the value of the immovable property to be offered as security is reduced and fixed at 50% of the loan amount.

The valuation of the properties offered as security must be assessed by engaging Chartered Engineers/valuers from the approved panel of the Corporation.

Sources and references

Scheme Information

Eligibility Criteria

The following SC / SC Divyang youth are eligible for support under ASIIM:

Youth identified by TBIs, Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), Technology/Industrial Parks, Science and Technology Parks of India (STPI) promoted by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) or other government-supported incubation centers.
Youth identified for incubation by reputed private TBIs.
Students awarded in the Smart India Hackathon or Smart India Hardware Hackathon conducted by the Ministry of Education.
Innovative ideas focusing on the socio-economic development of society, identified within TBIs (public or private).
Start-ups nominated and supported by corporates through CSR funds.

How To Apply

Applications for the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) are accepted online. The process typically involves identification and nomination by recognized incubators or through specific competitions. For detailed application procedures and links, please refer to the official sources.

Official Application Link: Please visit the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment website or the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) portal for the most current application links and guidelines.

Documents Required

Proof of Scheduled Caste Status or Scheduled Caste Divyang Status.
Company Incorporation Documents (Private Limited or Public Limited Company) - required before disbursement.
Shareholding Pattern Document (to prove at least 51% SC shareholding and management control) - required before and after disbursement.
Proof of Identification/Selection by relevant TBIs, AICs, Parks, STPI, or corporates through CSR funds.
Proof of Award under Smart India Hackathon or Smart India Hardware Hackathon (if applicable).
Proposal/Project Document for the innovative idea focusing on socio-economic development (if applicable).

FAQ’s

What is the total duration for which financial aid is provided under the ASIIM scheme?

The financial assistance under the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is provided for a total tenure of 10 years. This period starts from the date you receive the first disbursement of funds.

Can my start-up get support if it was nominated and funded by a company using its CSR budget?

Yes, absolutely. Start-ups that have been nominated and are supported by corporations through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are eligible to receive assistance under this mission.

I have an innovative idea focused on improving society. Is this a requirement for getting support?

Yes, it is a key requirement that your innovative idea must focus on the socio-economic development of society. These ideas need to be identified within Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), whether they are public or private.

What is the maximum amount of capital I can receive for my company, and how is it given out?

Eligible companies can receive a maximum of ₹30,00,000/- as capital. This amount is disbursed annually at ₹10,00,000/- over a period of 3 years.

What is the minimum shareholding percentage an SC entrepreneur must hold, and for how long?

The Scheduled Caste entrepreneur must hold at least 51% of the company's total shareholding and maintain management control. This ownership must be preserved as long as the company is receiving assistance under the ASIIM scheme.

If my business is currently a partnership or LLP, can I still apply for this fund?

No, if your business is structured as a Proprietary Firm, Partnership Firm, One Person Company (OPC), or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), you must first convert it into a Private Limited or Public Limited company before you can receive assistance from this fund.

Will the scheme cover my expenses like rent, software, and travel while I'm being incubated?

Yes, the equity assistance is designed to cover various costs. This includes accommodation at the Technology Business Incubator (TBI), hardware, software, fellowship, travel and marketing, intellectual property (IP) filing, tool-room expenses, and co-worker costs.

Does the scheme require that my idea be identified by specific types of technology parks?

Yes, youth identified by the Technology/Industrial Parks or Science and Technology Parks of India (STPI) promoted by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), or other incubation centers supported by the Government of India, are eligible. Youth identified by reputed private TBIs are also eligible.

Are entrepreneurs from Scheduled Tribes (ST) or Other Backward Classes (OBC) eligible for this funding?

No, the scheme is exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) entrepreneurs and youth. Individuals from ST, OBC, or General categories are not eligible for financial assistance under this initiative.

How will the fund invest in my company, and what's the maximum stake they will take in equity?

The fund will be provided as Equity, Optionally Convertible Preference Shares (OCPS), or Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS). The conversion to equity will be for a maximum of 49% stake, and this typically happens only after 3 years, with variations based on the specific case.

Am I eligible if I've been identified for incubation by a private TBI?

Yes, youth who are identified for incubation by reputed private Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) are eligible to receive support under this mission.

Are there any location restrictions for the projects?

No, there are no geographical restrictions. All projects from anywhere in India are considered for investment under the mission, provided they meet the core eligibility criteria.

Which specific group of people can apply for this mission?

The mission is open to youth who belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category or are Scheduled Caste Divyang (differently-abled).

What are the types of projects funded, and are there any sectors that are not allowed?

Innovations in the Manufacturing and Service sectors are eligible for funding. However, the fund cannot invest in 'negative sectors' as defined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.