NIDHI-PRAYAS Grant: Proof-of-Concept Support for Hardware Startups

The NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs) scheme is a flagship initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) designed to bridge the gap between an idea and a prototype. It provides crucial early-stage financial support to innovators to build a 'Proof-of-Concept', helping hardware-based startups overcome the initial 'valley of death' in product development.

What is this scheme?

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a pre-incubation program that provides a grant to innovators for turning their ideas into tangible prototypes. The scheme is executed through various Prayas Centres (PCs) across India, which are typically established at Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Parks and Technology Business Incubators. It specifically focuses on hardware and physical product innovation rather than pure software development.

Who is eligible?

• The applicant must be an individual innovator or a founder of a startup.
• The startup should not be more than 7 years old at the time of application.
• The innovator must be an Indian citizen with a valid government ID.
• The proposal must be for a physical product/hardware innovation (not software/SaaS exclusively).
• Individual innovators must be at least 18 years of age.
• The applicant should not have received a similar grant from other central government schemes for the same idea.

How much money?

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

Documents needed

1. Aadhar Card / Voter ID of the applicant
2. Company Registration Certificate (if applicable)
3. Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Prototyping Plan
4. Business Pitch Deck
5. Undertaking for not availing other grants for the same prototype
6. Bank Account Details (linked to Aadhar)

How to apply (step by step)

1. Identify a local NIDHI-PRAYAS Centre (PC) that is currently accepting applications.
2. Prepare a detailed proposal highlighting the problem statement, solution, and technical feasibility.
3. Submit the application form through the official portal of the chosen Prayas Centre.
4. Shortlisted candidates are called for a presentation before a Project Management Committee (PMC).
5. Upon successful selection, an agreement is signed between the PC and the innovator.
6. Funds are released in installments based on project milestones and progress reports.

Important dates

Conclusion

NIDHI-PRAYAS is an unparalleled opportunity for Indian hardware innovators to de-risk their early-stage product development. By providing both funding and access to incubation infrastructure, it empowers founders to transform concepts into market-ready prototypes, paving the way for further investment and commercialization.