Founders Office Fellow
The Founders Office Fellowship offers the opportunity to work directly with the leadership team, tackle high-stakes challenges, and fast-track your career in the startup ecosystem.
Metvy is a technology platform company based in Gurugram, India.
- Competitive salary
- Equity options
- Health insurance
- Professional development opportunities
Benefits estimated based on industry standards
Building a startup doesn't always require a pitch deck and a chase for venture capital on day one. In fact, for many Indian founders, the best "investor" might actually be the government. Here is a step-by-step roadmap to building your startup in India without immediate dilution: 1. NIDHI EIR (Entrepreneur-in-Residence) Who it’s for: Individual innovators or early-stage founders with a technical background (Science/Engg) who need a personal runway to focus. The Help: A monthly stipend of ₹30,000 for 12–18 months. Think of it as a government-paid salary to build your dream. Eligibility: Must be an Indian citizen with a 4-year technical degree (or 3-year degree + 2 years experience). You cannot have a job or another fellowship simultaneously. When to Apply: Typically, applications open once a year via various TBIs (Technology Business Incubators). The 2026 cycle is currently active across major centers like IITs/IIMs. 2. NIDHI PRAYAS Who it’s for: Hardware and deep-tech enthusiasts who have an idea and need to build a physical prototype. The Help: A grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs. No equity, no repayment. Eligibility: DPIIT-recognized startups (less than 7 years old) or individuals. Annual turnover must be under ₹25 Lakhs. When to Apply: Applications are rolling through PRAYAS Centres (Shalas). Most centers have deadlines in March and September. 3. Startup India Seed Fund (SISFS Vel Tech TBI) Who it’s for: Startups ready for product trials, market entry, or commercialization. The Help: Up to ₹20 Lakhs as a grant for validation/prototype development and up to ₹50 Lakhs via debt/convertible debentures for scaling. Eligibility: DPIIT-recognized startups incorporated less than 2 years ago. Must have a tech-driven solution with a scalable business model. When to Apply: Open year-round. Apply directly through the Startup India portal by selecting the preferred incubators. 4. BIRAC BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant) Who it’s for: Researchers, doctors, and engineers in Biotech, Med-Tech, Agriculture, or Green-Tech. The Help: A massive grant of up to ₹50 Lakhs for 18 months. Eligibility: Individuals or startups less than 3 years old. Requires a high-risk, high-innovation idea. When to Apply: Fixed windows - January 1st and July 1st every year. The Reality Check Before you decide to dilute 15–20% of your company in a seed round, ask yourself: Can I survive 18–24 months solely on grants while covering salaries and R&D? If the answer is yes, you're not just building a product; you're building a more valuable, founder-controlled company. Let the government take care of the early risks, so that when you eventually do talk to VCs. Apply for the Founders Office Fellowship: Work directly with the leadership team, tackle high-stakes challenges, and fast-track your career in the ecosystem. Apply Now:- https://lnkd.in/gxKqc47v #FoundersOffice #Fellowship #StartupLife #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #VentureBuilding
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