Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is a central scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that still supports Scheduled Caste (SC) students and SC differently-abled youth who want to turn an innovative, technology-driven business idea into a real startup. The scheme is running in 2026, and in June 2026 the ministry released a booklet of success stories of entrepreneurs supported under this mission.
Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) - Introduction
ASIIM is a dedicated scheme to help SC students and SC differently-abled youth build their own business. It was launched on 30 September 2020 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. The mission helps eligible young people grow a technology-based business idea into a commercial venture with equity support and full hand-holding.
Under this scheme, around 1,000 innovative ideas are supported through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) set up by the Department of Science and Technology in higher education and technology institutions. As on 1 May 2025, the mission had sanctioned support to 105 companies totalling about ₹31.21 crore and had released about ₹11.22 crore to 79 companies. Selected startups can also go on to get bigger venture funding from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Business and Entrepreneurship, Skills and Employment |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Benefit Amount | Up to ₹30,00,000 as equity over 3 years |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | vcfsc.in |
Benefits
This scheme offers strong financial support to help grow a startup. If a project is selected, the startup can get equity support of up to ₹30,00,000 over a 3-year period. This money helps cover costs like TBI accommodation, hardware, software, fellowships, marketing, IP filing, and team expenses.
Once a venture proves successful, it can qualify for further venture funding of up to ₹15,00,00,000 from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes. Eligible startups also get hand-holding, guidance, and expert mentoring throughout the process.
| Disbursement Stage | Amount per Year |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹10,00,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹10,00,000 |
| Year 3 | ₹10,00,000 |
The total ₹30,00,000 is given as equity, optionally convertible preference shares (OCPS), or compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS). The support period for a startup spans 10 years, starting from the first disbursement date.
Important Conditions:
- The applicant must form a private limited or limited company with at least 51% shareholding under their control.
- Company formation expenses during the 3-year incubation phase have to be managed by the applicant.
- Any existing proprietary or partnership firm must be converted into a private or public limited company before funds are released.
- The applicant must keep 51% SC shareholding and management control for the full period of the assistance.
Eligibility
SC or SC differently-abled youth can apply for support under ASIIM if they meet any of these conditions:
- They are identified for incubation by TBIs, Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), government-supported technology parks, or reputed private TBIs.
- They have received awards under the Smart India Hackathon or Smart India Hardware Hackathon.
- Their innovative idea focuses on socio-economic development and has been validated by an incubator.
- Their startup is nominated or supported by corporates through CSR funds.
Exclusions
Investments in negative sectors as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines are not eligible for funding under this mission.
Application Process
Online Registration
Visit the official online application portal. Create an account with the required details, verify the email or mobile with an OTP, and set a secure password.
Applying for the Scheme
STEP 1 - Log in to the online application portal using the registered credentials.
STEP 2 - Select the application form for Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM). Fill in all required details correctly and upload the documents in the given format.
STEP 3 - Review the details, agree to the terms and privacy policy, and click Submit. Save the confirmation message for future tracking.
Evaluation and Selection
After applying, the proposal goes through a recommendation process by the TBIs. If an idea is selected by a TBI, it is automatically considered for incubation under this mission. If the business is currently a sole proprietorship, it has to be converted into a company structure before funds are released.
Support and Grievances
For any issue, contact IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, the investment manager, at its New Delhi office or call 011-41732509/67/76/70/81/90/82 or 011-26453359. Queries can also be emailed to asiim@ifciventure.com or raised on the official grievance redressal portal.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application:
- Valid proof of SC or SC differently-abled status.
- Company incorporation documents (Private or Public Limited) required before disbursement.
- Shareholding pattern to prove 51% ownership.
- Proof of selection or identification by a TBI, AIC, or STPI.
- Award certificates for Smart India Hackathon, if applicable.
- A detailed project or business proposal explaining the innovative idea.
References
ASIIM Official Website | ASIIM Brochure (English) | Online Application Portal | Success Stories of Beneficiaries | Grievance Redressal Portal
FAQ's
Is ASIIM still accepting applications in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is active in 2026. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment released the success stories booklet in June 2026, and applications keep coming through the Technology Business Incubators.
How does the fund inject capital into a company and what is the maximum equity stake?
The mission provides funds as equity or convertible shares. The maximum stake the investment manager may convert to equity is 49%, which happens after 3 years depending on the case.
Are youth identified by private incubators eligible for this support?
Yes, startups identified by reputed private technology business incubators are fully eligible to apply.
What is the amount and duration of the financial assistance?
A total of ₹30,00,000 can be received over 3 years, with ₹10,00,000 provided each year, subject to satisfactory progress reports.
Do I need to focus my idea on socio-economic development?
Yes, the startup proposal should clearly show how the innovative idea adds to the socio-economic development of society.
What if a business is currently a partnership or proprietorship?
The business must be converted into a private limited or public limited company before receiving any financial assistance from the mission.
Does the scheme allow CSR-backed startups?
Yes, a startup nominated and supported by a corporate through CSR funds is eligible to apply.
Who qualifies as an eligible applicant for this mission?
SC or SC differently-abled youth are eligible to apply for support under this mission.
How to contact ASIIM for help?
Call 011-41732509/67/76/70/81/90/82 or 011-26453359, or email asiim@ifciventure.com.