NIDHI-PRAYAS: A Dedicated Support Program for Hardware Start-up Innovators
Learn about the NIDHI-PRAYAS grant by the Department of Science and Technology. Get up to Rs. 10 Lakhs for hardware prototyping and product development.
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) - PRomoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) is a flagship scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It aims to bridge the gap between an innovative idea and a market-ready prototype by providing financial and technical support to hardware-focused entrepreneurs in India.
What is this scheme?
NIDHI-PRAYAS is a 'Proof-of-Concept' grant specifically designed for hardware-based innovations. Since hardware startups face high entry barriers and high costs for prototyping, this scheme establishes PRAYAS Centres (PCs) across the country to provide innovators with mentorship, lab facilities, and direct funding to transform their digital sketches or ideas into physical products.
Who is eligible?
- An individual innovator or a founder of a start-up.
- The applicant must be a citizen of India with a valid Aadhaar card.
- The innovator must be at least 18 years of age.
- Student applicants must have a multidisciplinary team or a faculty mentor.
- The innovation must be hardware-based; pure software/App development is generally not eligible.
- The startup should not have received more than Rs. 10 Lakhs in grants for the same idea previously.
How much money?
A grant of up to Rs. 10 Lakhs per project for prototype development.
Documents needed
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Proposal.
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card/Passport).
- Company Registration Certificate (if applicable).
- Academic transcripts or graduation certificates (for students/alumni).
- Bank Account details and PAN Card.
- IP ownership declaration or Patent documents (if any).
How to apply (step by step)
- Identify a nearby PRAYAS Centre (PC) hosted at an incubator.
- Wait for the call for applications issued by the specific PRAYAS Centre.
- Submit the online application with details of the hardware prototype.
- Appear for a pitch presentation before a local Monitoring Committee.
- Wait for the evaluation based on technical feasibility and market potential.
- Upon selection, sign the agreement and receive the first tranche of the grant.
- Use the PRAYAS lab facilities to develop the prototype within 12-18 months.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Cycle | Varies by PRAYAS Centre; check official DST or PC portals periodically. |
| Project Duration | Usually 12 to 18 months from the date of approval. |
Conclusion
NIDHI-PRAYAS acts as a crucial lifeline for hardware innovators who often struggle to find early-stage funding. By providing Rs. 10 Lakhs and access to state-of-the-art labs, the government ensures that brilliant Indian ideas aren't lost due to a lack of physical prototyping resources.
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