BCDD Funding Support Scheme at Kerala Startup Mission

About this grant

The Backward Classes Development Department (BCDD) Funding Support Scheme is an initiative by the Government of Kerala aimed at providing early-stage financial assistance to innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups from OBC/OEC communities. The scheme is implemented through Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which acts as the nodal agency for startup-related programs in the state. The objective of the program is to promote inclusive entrepreneurship by supporting eligible founders in transforming innovative ideas into viable, technology-driven ventures. The scheme supports startups at multiple stages, including the idea stage and productisation stage, enabling founders to develop, validate, and scale their products. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided in two stages: an Idea Grant of up to ₹3 lakhs to help innovators validate and develop their ideas, and a Productisation Grant of up to ₹10 lakhs to support incorporated startups in building, refining, and commercialising their products. The funding is milestone-based and aims to empower underrepresented communities to actively participate in Kerala’s startup ecosystem.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Graduates from OBC/OEC (Backward Classes) communities.
• Age of the applicant must be between 23 and 40 years.
• At least 80% of the startup’s shareholding must be owned by founders belonging to the OBC/OEC category.
• For the Idea Grant, the innovator must belong to the OBC/OEC category and may be based either within or outside Kerala; however, company incorporation and KSUM Unique ID are mandatory for fund disbursement.
• For the Productisation Grant, the startup must be incorporated and possess a valid KSUM Unique ID.
• The annual income of the founder/innovator belonging to the OBC/OEC category must be below ₹5 lakhs per annum.
• Service-based projects, asset creation, full outsourcing of product development, major milestone outsourcing, purchase of self-services, and utilization of funds for CSR activities are not eligible under this scheme.

What the funding covers

• Funding: Upto: ₹10 Lakhs

How to apply

1. 1Register by obtaining a KSUM Unique ID and ensuring company incorporation as Pvt Ltd, LLP, or OPC before disbursal.
2. 2Apply online through grants.startupmission.in/bcdd for an Idea Grant up to ₹3 lakh or a Productization Grant up to ₹7 lakh.
3. 3Shortlisted applicants present their proposal to an expert panel during the pitch stage.
4. 4Selected startups receive milestone-based funding tranches with support up to ₹10 lakh in total.
5. 5Track updates through portal notifications or contact KSUM at 0471-2700270 for queries.

Application tips