## VigyanDhara Scheme: Policy Summary
The VigyanDhara scheme, a central sector scheme implemented nationwide by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), came into effect on January 16, 2025. It was formed through the merger of three existing umbrella schemes: Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building; Research and Development; and Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.
The scheme supports 36 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) across India, which in turn have provided seed funding to 72 startups. These startups were selected by the Seed Support Management Committee (SSMC) of the respective TBIs, based on criteria including problem statement, proposed solutions, market opportunity, feasibility and novelty, potential impact, and competition.
As of July 31, 2025, the total funds allocated to the VigyanDhara scheme since its inception are ₹1755.75 crore, with ₹1183.57 crore utilized. The breakdown of allocation and utilization by fiscal year is as follows:
* **2024-25:** Allocation - ₹330.75 crore; Utilized - ₹271.98 crore
* **2025-26:** Allocation - ₹1425 crore; Utilized - ₹911.59 crore
The scheme has benefitted individuals across all States and Union Territories. Some of the states with the highest number of beneficiaries include Rajasthan (12424), Uttar Pradesh (13195), Karnataka (6676), Andhra Pradesh (3816) and Maharashtra (3303).
This information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
VigyanDhara scheme: A central sector scheme implemented at the pan India level by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), effective from 16.01.2025, after merging three umbrella schemes.
Department of Science and Technology: The Indian government department (DST) responsible for implementing the VigyanDhara scheme.
NIDHI-SEED: A support system provided under VigyanDhara scheme to Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
Technology Business Incubators: Organizations (TBIs) that receive NIDHI-SEED support under the VigyanDhara scheme to provide seed funds to startups.
Seed Support Management Committee: The SSMC of the respective TBIs which select Startups.
Andhra Pradesh: One of the states with beneficiaries under the VigyanDhara scheme with 3816 beneficiaries.
Uttar Pradesh: One of the states with beneficiaries under the VigyanDhara scheme with 13195 beneficiaries.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space
Ministry of Science & Technology
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: VIGYAN DHARA
SCHEME
Posted On: 07 AUG 2025 3:28PM by PIB Delhi
The VigyanDhara scheme came into force with effect from 16.01.2025 after the merger of three umbrella
schemes namely (1) Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building, (2) Research and
Development and (3) Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment of the Department of Science
and Technology (DST). The state-wise number of beneficiaries under the VigyanDhara scheme, since its
inception, are placed at Annexure-I.
Under VigyanDhara NIDHI-SEED support has been provided to 36 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs)
across the country. These TBIs further provided Seed funds to 72 Startups. These Startupswere selected
through Seed Support Management Committee (SSMC) of the respective TBIs using following broad criteria:
Problem statement & proposed solutions
(cid:108)
Market opportunity
(cid:108)
Feasibility and novelty
(cid:108)
Potential impact
(cid:108)
Competition
(cid:108)
The VigyanDhara scheme is a central sector scheme and is being implemented at pan India level. Total funds
allocated and utilized under VigyanDhara, since its inception, are as follows:
Year Allocation (Rs. in crore) Utilized (Rs. in crore)
2024-25 330.75 271.98
2025-26 1425 911.59 (as on 31.07.2025)
Total 1755.75 1183.57
Annexure-I
State-wise number of beneficiaries under Vigyan Dhara scheme
Sl. No. Name of States/UTs No. of beneficiaries
Andhra Pradesh 3816
Arunachal Pradesh 30
Assam 491
Bihar 2517
Chhattisgarh 3812
Goa 112
Gujarat 1561
Haryana 1138
Himachal Pradesh 753Jharkhand 1968
Karnataka 6676
Kerala 1278
Madhya Pradesh 3963
Maharashtra 3303
Manipur 262
Meghalaya 90
Mizoram 28
Nagaland 18
Orissa 3749
Punjab 687
Rajasthan 12424
Sikkim 36
Tamil Nadu 1707
Telangana 3679
Tripura 81
Uttarakhand 2661
Uttar Pradesh 13195
West Bengal 1570
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 24
Chandigarh 283
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 20
Jammu and Kashmir 1183
Delhi 1155
Ladakh 21
Lakshadweep 5
Pondicherry 83
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science
and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2153550)