NIDHI-PRAYAS Grant: Financial Support for Hardware Start-up Prototypes

The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - PRomoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs (NIDHI-PRAYAS) is a flagship scheme launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It specifically addresses the 'valley of death' in hardware product development by providing early-stage funding to convert innovative ideas into physical prototypes.

What is this scheme?

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a pre-incubation grant designed to support young innovators by providing them with the necessary financial assistance and access to PRAYAS Centres (Fab Labs). Unlike equity-based funding, this is a grant-in-aid specifically intended for prototype development, ensuring that innovators can test their concepts without the immediate pressure of commercialization or dilution of ownership.

Who is eligible?

• An individual innovator or a start-up entity.
• The applicant must be a citizen of India with a valid government ID.
• The innovator must be at least 18 years of age.
• Student applicants must have a multidisciplinary team and a faculty mentor.
• If a start-up, the company must not be older than 7 years.
• The idea must be hardware-based (physical product) and not purely software or service-focused.
• The innovator should be incubated or willing to be mentored by a PRAYAS Centre.

How much money?

A maximum grant of up to ₹10 lakhs is provided per project for a duration of 18 months.

Documents needed

1. Aadhar Card and PAN Card of the applicant.
2. Detailed Project Report (DPR) explaining the innovation and prototype plan.
3. Academic certificates (for students) or Incorporation Certificate (for start-ups).
4. Proof of incubation or a letter of support from a PRAYAS Centre.
5. Detailed budget breakdown for the ₹10 lakh grant.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Identify a DST-recognized PRAYAS Centre (usually hosted at TBI or IITs).
2. Prepare a detailed proposal highlighting the problem being solved and the technical feasibility of the prototype.
3. Submit the application through the official portal or the specific PRAYAS Centre’s website during an open call.
4. Appear for a screening committee interview to present the innovation.
5. Upon selection, sign the agreement and begin work at the designated PRAYAS Centre.
6. Utilize funds in stages as per the approved project milestones.

Important dates

Conclusion

The NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme is a vital bridge for Indian hardware entrepreneurs who often struggle to find capital for the prototyping stage. By providing both funding and world-class laboratory facilities, the DST is empowering the next generation of 'Make in India' innovators to transform bold ideas into tangible products.