DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support Program at DERBI Foundation DERBI FoundationThe DST NIDHI Start-to-Scale Startup Support Program is a government-backed accelerator initiative jointly executed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and DERBI Foundation (a leading HealthTech innovation hub). Specifically designed for market-ready HealthTech startups, this 3-month intensive program accelerates growth through structured mentorship, regulatory validation support, investor connections, and deployment grants.

Program Objective:
This initiative targets HealthTech startups at advanced Technology Readiness Level (TRL 9+) with fully developed MVPs ready for market deployment. The program focuses on accelerating scaling by providing capital, strategic guidance, and ecosystem connections to move from product validation to commercial growth.

Strategic Focus Areas:
The program prioritizes innovations in 6 key HealthTech domains:

• Digital Health – Telemedicine, health monitoring platforms, digital therapeutics

• Telemedicine Solutions – Remote consultation, online healthcare delivery

• Point-of-Care Diagnostics – Portable, rapid diagnostic devices and solutions

• MedTech Devices – Medical devices, diagnostic equipment, therapeutic devices

• Homecare Solutions – At-home health monitoring, elderly care, chronic disease management

• Remote Monitoring / Wearables – IoT-enabled health monitoring, wearable tech, continuous monitoring systems

Comprehensive Support Package:
Selected startups receive:

• Deployment Grants – Funding for scaling and market entry (up to ₹10 Lakhs)

• Investor Connections – Direct access to healthcare investors, venture capitalists, family offices

• Customer Connects – Introduction to hospitals, clinics, healthcare networks for early customers

• Expert Mentorship – One-on-one guidance from industry veterans, healthcare professionals, regulatory experts

• Regulatory Validation – Support navigating FDA, CDSCO, medical device regulations, clinical validation

• GTM Strategy – Go-to-market planning, pricing strategy, market entry roadmap

• Cohort Networking – Interaction with fellow HealthTech founders, investors, healthcare providers

Eligibility Timeline:
Startups must be registered as per Startup India definition with Technology Readiness Level 9 or above (market-ready MVP with field validation) and have functional prototypes ready for deployment. This ensures focus on startups genuinely ready to scale, not early-stage concepts.

Government Backing:
This DST-backed program leverages government research infrastructure and regulatory expertise, positioning selected startups for faster market adoption and compliance.