The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) supports youth from Scheduled Caste in starting innovative businesses. You receive mentorship and funding to grow your business idea.
Last updated on: February 12, 2026
The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is a government initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 30th September 2020. It empowers Scheduled Caste youth by supporting their start-up ideas. You get mentorship, incubation, and equity funding through this programme. ASIIM helps you launch and grow innovative businesses with financial support.
The mission helps Scheduled Caste students become job-givers rather than job-seekers by supporting their entrepreneurial journey. You receive financial and advisory support to start and grow your business. Government-recognised TBIs or those approved by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) assist in identifying eligible candidates and support your business journey from ideation to launch.
The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) provides support to Scheduled Caste youth entrepreneurs. You receive funding, mentorship, and incubation through this programme.
Through ASIIM, you can get equity funding of up to ₹30 Lakhs over 3 years for selected start-ups
You receive mentorship and guidance to help develop your business ideas
You get incubation support to nurture your innovative start-up from concept to market
Divyangs (persons with disabilities) receive special preference when applying under ASIIM
Your successful venture may qualify for additional venture funding up to ₹5 Crores
ASIIM works with Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to identify and support eligible candidates
The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) has specific eligibility requirements. You must meet these criteria to apply for the programme.
You must belong to the Scheduled Caste community
Divyangs receive special preference during the selection process
You must have a start-up idea and be associated with a Technology Business Incubator (TBI)
You must hold at least 51% ownership in your company
You must submit required documents including identity proof and proof of Scheduled Caste status
Non-Scheduled Caste applicants cannot apply for ASIIM
You cannot participate without association with a TBI or similar institution
You do not qualify if you hold less than 51% ownership in your company
You must submit specific documents to apply for the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM). These documents verify your eligibility and business idea.
Identity proof such as Aadhaar card or PAN card
Proof of Scheduled Caste status through a caste certificate
Proof of association with a Technology Business Incubator (TBI)
Business plan or start-up idea details showing your concept
Ownership proof showing at least 51% ownership in your company
The application process for the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) is online. You can complete it in a few simple steps.
Visit the official Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) portal at https://www.vcfsc.in/asiim/
Register on the portal and fill out the online application form
Upload the required documents as listed above
Submit your application and wait for the screening process
You will receive further instructions for mentorship and funding if selected
You go through a screening and selection process after submitting your application for ASIIM. This process ensures only eligible and promising start-ups receive support.
A screening committee reviews your application for eligibility and business potential
You are invited for interviews or presentations if shortlisted by the committee
After selection under the programme, you receive guidance and incubation support to help develop your business idea
Your funding is disbursed in stages based on progress and achieved milestones
You must submit regular monitoring reports during the incubation period
Several central government schemes support SC/ST entrepreneurs with funding and training similar to ASIIM.
| Scheme | Purpose / Key Benefit |
|---|---|
Stand Up India |
Provides loans from ₹10 Lakhs to ₹2 Crore for SC/ST and women to start greenfield enterprises. |
Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) |
Offers equity funding up to ₹15 Crore for innovative SC-owned start-ups. |
National SC-ST Hub |
Provides procurement, technology, and market support for SC/ST enterprises. |
NSFDC Loans |
Gives loans up to ₹3 Lakhs with skill training and marketing support for SC entrepreneurs. |
State governments offer additional schemes for SC entrepreneurs with localised support and funding.
| Scheme | Purpose / Key Benefit |
|---|---|
Haryana Backward Classes Kalyan Nigam (State) |
Provides subsidies and loans for SC/ST business ventures in Haryana. |
Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Welfare Department Schemes |
Offers seed capital and training for SC entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu. |
Maharashtra Scheduled Caste Corporation |
Supplies low-interest loans and subsidies for SC start-ups in Maharashtra. |
Karnataka Vokkaligara Sangha Schemes (State) |
Delivers financial aid and skill development for SC youth businesses. |
The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) helps SC youth turn their ideas into successful businesses with government support. For those who need additional funding to grow their start-ups, Bajaj Markets offers access to easy and quick online business loan options to meet working capital needs, expansion, equipment purchase, and other business-related needs.
Reviewer
ASIIM was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The programme supports Scheduled Caste youth entrepreneurs across India.
The fund injects capital through equity investment in your company. The Investment Manager can hold a maximum equity stake of 49%. You retain majority control with at least 51% ownership.
Yes, you can apply if identified by a reputed private Technology Business Incubator. Private TBIs are eligible under the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission.
You can receive up to ₹30 Lakhs over three years through ASIIM. The funds are disbursed in stages based on your business milestones.
Your idea should be innovative and identified by a Technology Business Incubator. Socio-economic development focus is not mandatory for eligibility.
Yes, businesses structured as Proprietary Firm, Partnership Firm, or LLP can receive assistance. You must meet other eligibility criteria under the programme.
Yes, start-ups that receive funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are eligible for ASIIM support, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
You must belong to the Scheduled Caste community to apply for ASIIM. Divyangs receive special preference during the selection process.