NIDHI-PRAYAS: A Catalyst for Success in Early-Stage Hardware Startups
Learn about the NIDHI-PRAYAS grant by DST, offering up to ₹10 lakhs for hardware startups to convert ideas into prototypes. Check eligibility, amount, and steps
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) - PRomoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) is a flagship program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It serves as a bridge between a concept and a prototype, specifically designed to support entrepreneurs who are facing the 'Valley of Death' in hardware and product development. For an aspiring founder with a ground-breaking hardware idea, NIDHI-PRAYAS provides the necessary financial and technical support to build a proof-of-concept.
What is this scheme?
NIDHI-PRAYAS is a dedicated grant program that offers financial assistance to young innovators for turning their ideas into tangible prototypes. Unlike many software-focused programs, PRAYAS focuses on physical product development across sectors like manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. The scheme is implemented through PRAYAS Centres (PCs) located at various incubators across India, providing entrepreneurs with physical workspace and mentorship along with the grant.
Who is eligible?
- An individual innovator or a team of innovators with a physical product idea.
- Founders of startups incorporated for less than 7 years at the time of application.
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Student innovators are eligible, provided they have a mentor at their institution.
- The project must be centered around a 'hard-tech' or hardware product idea, not just software or apps.
- Innovators who have not received similar prototype grants from other government bodies for the same idea.
How much money?
A grant of up to ₹10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs) per project for prototype development.
Documents needed
- A detailed project proposal and prototype plan.
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport).
- Company incorporation certificate (if applicable).
- Caste certificate (if applying under specific category quotas).
- Academic transcripts or degree certificates for student applicants.
- A self-declaration stating no prior grants have been received for the same innovation.
How to apply (step by step)
- Identify a nearby PRAYAS Centre (PC) hosted at a DST-supported incubator.
- Wait for the 'Call for Applications' issued periodically by individual PRAYAS Centres.
- Submit the online application via the specific incubator's portal or the national NIDHI-PRAYAS website.
- Undergo a preliminary screening and a pitch presentation before a Technical Expert Committee (TEC).
- Once selected, sign an agreement with the PRAYAS Centre to receive the first milestone-based tranche of the grant.
- Work on the prototype at the incubator's Fab Lab or workshop facility while receiving mentorship.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Cycle | As per latest notification, verify on official portal of the respective PRAYAS Centre. |
| Project Duration | Typically 12 to 18 months for prototype completion. |
Conclusion
NIDHI-PRAYAS is a game-changer for Indian hardware innovators who often struggle with high R&D costs. By providing a substantial grant of ₹10 lakhs and access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, the Department of Science and Technology is ensuring that world-class 'Made in India' products transition from paper to reality. If you have a hardware idea that solves a real-world problem, NIDHI-PRAYAS is the ideal platform to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
Comments (0)
Sign up to join the conversation.