NIDHI-PRAYAS: Fueling Hardware Start-ups with Grants for Prototyping

The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators (NIDHI-PRAYAS) is a flagship scheme launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It specifically addresses the 'funding gap' faced by innovators during the transition from a proof-of-concept to a working prototype in the hardware sector.

What is this scheme?

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a specialized grant-in-aid program aimed at providing financial support to young innovators to turn their ideas into tangible prototypes. By setting up PRAYAS Centres (PC) across the country, the scheme provides not just capital, but also access to fabrication labs, technical guidance, and mentorship to ensure the successful development of hardware-based products.

Who is eligible?

• Individual innovator or a startup incorporated for less than 7 years.
• The innovator must be a citizen of India with a valid government ID.
• The applicant must spend a minimum of 18 months at the PRAYAS Centre.
• Startups must not have reached a revenue stage or received significant funding.
• Innovation must be in the hardware/physical product domain (Software-only projects are generally excluded).
• Student innovators should have a mentor or faculty advisor.

How much money?

A grant of up to ₹10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs) per innovator for prototype development.

Documents needed

1. Aadhaar Card of the innovator(s).
2. Detailed Project Report (DPR) explaining the prototype plan.
3. Business registration certificate (if applying as a startup).
4. Proof of address and bank account details.
5. Intellectual Property (IP) disclosure or declaration.
6. Letters of recommendation or mentorship agreement if applicable.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Identify a DST-recognized PRAYAS Centre (usually hosted at TBI/Incubators).
2. Prepare a detailed proposal highlighting the problem, solution, and prototype roadmap.
3. Submit the application through the specific PRAYAS Centre's portal or official DST link.
4. Undergo a screening process by a local monitoring committee.
5. Present the idea/pitch to the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC).
6. Upon selection, sign the agreement and begin the 18-month residency for prototype development.

Important dates

Conclusion

NIDHI-PRAYAS serves as a vital bridge for hardware entrepreneurs in India, removing the financial hurdle of prototype manufacturing. By utilizing this grant, innovators can focus on refining their designs and getting 'market-ready' without the immediate pressure of equity dilution or high-interest loans.