ASIIM

Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)

6.5/10

The scheme aims to boost entrepreneurship and innovation among SC students and SC differently-abled youth by providing focused support to translate innovative, technology-oriented business ideas into successful commercial enterprises. It offers equity funding and hand-holding support.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment

Nodal department: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Business & Entrepreneurship, Skills & Employment

Sub-categories: Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship, Technology upgradation

Tags: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Youth, Scheduled Caste, Student, Incubation, Startup

Details

The scheme "Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission" was launched on 30th September 2020, by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme aims to promote innovation and enterprise in Scheduled Caste students studying in higher educational institutions and to support 1,000 innovative ideas through synergistic work with the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) set up by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The scheme provides equity support to young Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs so they can translate their start-up ideas into commercial ventures, with successful ventures potentially qualifying for venture funding. The scheme is implemented by the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC). The applications are accepted online.

Benefits

  • - Provision of equity assistance up to ₹30,00,000/- over a period of 3 years for identified innovative ideas from Scheduled Caste students in Technology Business Incubators (TBIs)
  • The assistance covers costs toward Technology Business Incubator (TBI) accommodation cost, Hardware, Software, Fellowship, Travel and marketing, Intellectual Property (IP) filing, Tool-room expenses, and Co-workers
  • Successful ventures would further qualify for venture funding up to ₹15,00,00,000/- from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC)
  • The Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) shall extend all support in the form of hand-holding, guidance, and mentoring. Disbursement Details
  • The maximum capital of ₹30,00,000/- is disbursed at ₹10,00,000/- every year over a period of 3 years
  • The fund infused shall be in the form of Equity, Optionally Convertible Preference Shares (OCPS), or Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS)
  • The tenure of financial assistance under Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is 10 years, starting from the date of the first disbursement. Conditions
  • The equity assistance is subject to satisfactory evaluation of the progress by the concerned Technology Business Incubator (TBI)
  • The financial assistance shall be released to the entities/Companies promoted by these young Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs
  • Selected participants must form or have a private limited or limited company where the Scheduled Caste entrepreneur holds at least 51% shareholding
  • The entrepreneurs must bear the expenses required for forming a company during the 3-year incubation period
  • The entity must maintain the 51% Scheduled Caste shareholding along with management control until the assistance under the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is present in the company
  • Provision of equity assistance up to ₹30,00,000/- over a period of 3 years for identified innovative ideas from Scheduled Caste students in Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
  • The assistance covers costs toward Technology Business Incubator (TBI) accommodation cost, Hardware, Software, Fellowship, Travel and marketing, Intellectual Property (IP) filing, Tool-room expenses, and Co-workers.
  • Successful ventures would further qualify for venture funding up to ₹15,00,00,000/- from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC).
  • The Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) shall extend all support in the form of hand-holding, guidance, and mentoring.
Disbursement Details
  • The maximum capital of ₹30,00,000/- is disbursed at ₹10,00,000/- every year over a period of 3 years.
  • The fund infused shall be in the form of Equity, Optionally Convertible Preference Shares (OCPS), or Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS).
  • The tenure of financial assistance under Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is 10 years, starting from the date of the first disbursement.
Conditions
  • The equity assistance is subject to satisfactory evaluation of the progress by the concerned Technology Business Incubator (TBI).
  • The financial assistance shall be released to the entities/Companies promoted by these young Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs.
  • Selected participants must form or have a private limited or limited company where the Scheduled Caste entrepreneur holds at least 51% shareholding.
  • The entrepreneurs must bear the expenses required for forming a company during the 3-year incubation period.
  • The entity must maintain the 51% Scheduled Caste shareholding along with management control until the assistance under the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is present in the company.
  • The conversion of shares provided as funding to equity will be a maximum of 49% stake and will occur only after 3 years, differing on a case-to-case basis.
  • Proprietary Firms, Partnership Firms, One Person Company (OPC), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), or any other establishment incorporated under any law in force should convert itself into a Private Limited or Public Limited company before receiving assistance under the fund.

Eligibility

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

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

Exclusions

Investments in negative sectors as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines are not eligible under this fund.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.5
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 4.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 6.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility4.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides significant support for Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs, particularly in fostering innovation and business development.

Key challenges addressed

  • Lack of funding for SC entrepreneurs
  • Need for support in translating innovative ideas into businesses

Most beneficial for

  • Scheduled Caste students
  • Differently-abled youth from Scheduled Castes

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process
  • Need for company formation

Practical insights for citizens

Practical for those with innovative ideas but challenging for those unfamiliar with business processes

Rural challenges

  • Limited internet access
  • Need for company registration

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency for application

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Evaluation process by TBIs may delay funding

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among potential beneficiaries

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Minimal documentation required
Verification complexity
Moderate due to evaluation by TBIs
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
None
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate effort required for application

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Inclusive
  • Target income group Low-income SC entrepreneurs
  • Occupation reach Entrepreneurs, students

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Equity funding
Benefit frequency
Annual disbursement over 3 years
Benefit practicality
High for eligible entrepreneurs
Financial meaningfulness
Significant funding potential up to ₹30,00,000
Long-term impact
Potential for sustainable business growth

Plain-language guidance

The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission helps Scheduled Caste students and youth start their own businesses with financial support. Applicants must apply online and meet certain eligibility criteria.

Who should apply
Scheduled Caste students and youth with innovative business ideas.
Who may struggle
Semi-literate individuals and those unfamiliar with online applications.
Best application route
Apply via the official online portal.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Registration

Navigate to the official link for online application. Click on "Create an Account". You will be taken to the registration page. Fill in all the mandatory fields and register.
*If required, verify your Email ID and Mobile Number via OTP.
*If you are prompted to create a password, ensure the password meets security requirements.

Application

Step 1: Navigate to the official link for online application. Use the credentials you created during registration to log in. Navigate to the online form of the scheme you intend to apply for.
Step 2: In the form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents in the specified format and size. Carefully review all the information provided and the documents uploaded. Make any necessary corrections.
Step 3: Acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions, declaration, and privacy policy (if any) by ticking the designated checkbox. Click "Submit" to submit your application. You'll receive a confirmation message.

Post-Application Processes

Step 1:**** Recommendation and Submission of Proposals

  • To identify potential entrepreneurs, Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) (set up under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology) shall be contacted and informed to recommend potential young Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs for assistance.
  • Other Technology and Management Schools shall also be contacted and informed for the purpose of recommending potential young entrepreneurs working in their Incubation Centres.
  • Other applications/proposals received directly from various Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Caste Divyang Start-ups will also be taken up as per the guidelines of the fund.

Step 2:**** Selection and Automatic Incubation

  • The start-up ideas presented by Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Caste Divyang students that have been selected by the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) will be automatically selected for incubation under the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM).

Step 3:**** Company Formation and Compliance

  • Prior to receiving assistance, selected participants who are not already incorporated must convert their Proprietary Firms, Partnership Firms, One Person Company (OPC), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), or other establishments into a Private Limited or Public Limited company.
  • The incorporated company must ensure that the Scheduled Caste entrepreneur maintains at least a 51% shareholding, along with management control, which must be sustained until the assistance under the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) remains in the company.

Fund Disbursement and Monitoring
  • Financial assistance, provided as equity, Optionally Convertible Preference Shares (OCPS), or Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS), shall be released to the Companies promoted by these young Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs.
  • The disbursement of equity assistance, which totals ₹30,00,000/- over 3 years (₹10,00,000/- annually), is contingent upon the satisfactory evaluation of the progress by the concerned Technology Business Incubator (TBI).
Grievance Redressal / Help & Support
  • Official contact details for the Investment Manager, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, are provided: 16th Floor, IFCI Tower, 61, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110019.
  • Applicants can call 011 - 4173 2507/09/18/67/70/76/81/82/90 or 011 - 26453359/46/19/43.
  • The official email address for queries regarding the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is asiim@ifciventure.com.
  • Additionally, a Grievance Redressal portal is available.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

How will the fund inject capital into my company, and what is the maximum equity stake that the Investment Manager will ultimately convert this into?

The fund under the initiative shall be infused as Equity, Optionally Convertible Preference Shares (OCPS), or Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS). The conversion of said shares to equity will be a maximum of 49% stake and will occur only after 3 years, varying on a case-to-case basis.

Are young entrepreneurs who have been identified for incubation by privately operated or reputed private Technology Business Incubators eligible to apply for this specialized support?

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

What is the maximum amount of financial assistance a company owned by a Scheduled Caste entrepreneur can receive as capital, and over what specific duration?

Eligible companies enrolled with Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) can receive a maximum capital of ₹30,00,000/- over a period of 3 years. This funding is disbursed annually at ₹10,00,000/- every year.

Is it a necessary criterion that the innovative idea must be focused on the socio-economic development of society and specifically identified within an incubator?

Yes, applicants must possess innovative ideas focusing on the socio-economic development of the society. These ideas must be identified in the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) operating in either the public or private sector.

If my current business is structured as a Proprietary Firm, Partnership Firm, or a Limited Liability Partnership, can I still receive assistance from the fund?

Proprietary Firms, Partnership Firms, One Person Company (OPC), or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) must convert themselves into a Private Limited or Public Limited company before receiving assistance under the fund.

Can an applicant receive support if their start-up has been nominated and financially backed by a corporation using its Corporate Social Responsibility funds?

Yes, start-ups nominated and supported by corporates through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are explicitly eligible for assistance under the mission.

What specific category of youth or individual must the applicant belong to in order to be eligible for support under this mission?

The applicant must be a youth belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Caste Divyang category to be eligible for support under the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM).

Are individuals belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Castes (OBC), or the General category allowed to benefit from the funding provided under this initiative?

No, only Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs and youth are eligible for financial assistance under this fund, according to the guidelines.

What specific types of projects are covered under this initiative, and are there any negative sectors that are specifically excluded from receiving investment?

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

Does eligibility extend to youth identified by Technology Parks, Industrial Parks, or Science and Technology Parks of India promoted by the Department of Science & Technology?

Yes, youth identified by the Technology / Industrial Parks or Science and Technology Parks of India (STPI) being promoted by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), or other non-DST incubation centers supported by the Government of India, are eligible.

What is the total length of time, or tenure, for which the financial assistance provided under this mission remains active or sanctioned?

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

What minimum percentage of the total shareholding of the company must be retained by the Scheduled Caste entrepreneur to maintain eligibility for assistance?

The Scheduled Caste entrepreneur must hold at least 51% of the total shareholding of the company, along with management control. This minimum shareholding must be maintained until the assistance under the mission is no longer present in the company.

Will the support provided include coverage for the various necessary expenses incurred by the entrepreneur while being mentored at an incubation center?

Yes, the equity assistance provided under the initiative is designed to cover various expenses, including Technology Business Incubator (TBI) accommodation cost, hardware, software, fellowship, travel and marketing, Intellectual Property (IP) filing, tool-room expenses, and co-workers.

Are there any geographical restrictions, such as state or city boundaries, regarding where the proposed project must be located within the country?

No, all projects across any part of India would be considered for investment under the mission. Eligibility is based on meeting the core criteria, not geographical location.

References

ASIIM Brochure (English)
https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/pdf/Download-in-English.pdf
ASIIM Brochure (Hindi)
https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/pdf/Download-in-Hindi.pdf
Scheme Objective
https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/objective.html
Scheme Eligibility
https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/eligibility.html
Search Process
https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/search-process.html
Selection Process
https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/selection-process.html
Online Application
https://foa.vcfsc.in/#/signin
Scheme FAQs
https://www.vcfsc.in/pdf/Frequently-Asked-questions-(FAQ)-ASIIM-FINAL.pdf
Grievance Redressal Portal
https://www.ifciventure.com/Grievance/Login
Contact Us
https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/contact.html

Apply

Apply now

Opens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual through benefits related to Business & Entrepreneurship, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Eligibility for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Benefits under Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is managed by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Applications for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM).
Is Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) a central government scheme?
Yes, Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Does Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) provide business loan or startup assistance?
Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
Is collateral required under Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.