The government’s flagship Startup India program has stepped up its financial support for women-led startups across the country, with three major schemes delivering substantial funding, as disclosed by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
All you need to know about the Government’s flagship Startup India initiative
Under the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), implemented by SIDBI, SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) have invested roughly ₹2,838.9 crore into 154 women-founded startups from 2020 through October 31, 2025. The purpose of this scheme is to stimulate venture capital by providing capital to AIFs, which then invest in eligible startups.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), which began on 1 April 2021, targets early-stage assistance via incubators. As of 31 October 2025, incubators have approved ₹284.79 crore in funding for 1,635 women-led startups, helping founders move from idea validation to product development and market entry.
Meanwhile, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), in operation since 1 April 2023 and run by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC), has broadened access to collateral-free credit. By the end of October 2025, 24 loans amounting to ₹33.17 crore were guaranteed for women-led startup borrowers through eligible financial institutions.
The minister noted that detailed sector-by-sector and state-by-state data for all three schemes have been shared with Parliament. However, he added that creating a comprehensive, objective measure of startup success rates is not feasible, and such metrics are not centrally maintained.
Prasada also highlighted ongoing government efforts to support women entrepreneurship through a variety of mentorship and training programs across the country.
Read more: India’s role on the global stage, U.S. lawmakers’ perspectives, and related coverage on Startuppedia.
