NIDHI-PRAYAS: A Dedicated Grant for Hardware and Product Start-ups in India
Learn about the NIDHI-PRAYAS grant by DST. Get up to ₹10 Lakhs for hardware prototyping and turn your innovative manufacturing ideas into reality.
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups (NIDHI-PRAYAS) is a flagship scheme launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It specifically targets innovators in the hardware sector who need financial support to bridge the gap between a proof-of-concept and a prototype. By providing access to 'Prayas Centres' and financial grants, the scheme aims to reduce the risks involved in the early stages of product development.
What is this scheme?
NIDHI-PRAYAS is a pre-incubation grant designed to support young innovators to turn their ideas into proof-of-concept/prototypes. Unlike many startup schemes that focus on software or services, NIDHI-PRAYAS is strictly focused on physical product development and manufacturing. It provides infrastructure support through PRAYAS Centres (PC) across India and financial assistance to cover the costs of raw materials, fabrication, and design.
Who is eligible?
- An individual innovator or a start-up company incorporated not more than 2 years ago.
- Must be an Indian Citizen with age above 18 years.
- The innovation must be a physical product (Hardware) related to STEM fields.
- Preference is given to women innovators and projects with high social impact.
- The innovator must be mentored by or incubated at a NIDHI-PRAYAS Centre.
- The project duration should typically not exceed 18 months.
How much money?
A maximum grant up to ₹10 Lakhs per project for prototype development.
Documents needed
- Aadhaar card and PAN card of the innovator(s).
- Proof of age and Indian citizenship.
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Plan focusing on the prototype.
- Incubation/PRAYAS Centre support letter.
- Company Registration Certificate (if applicable).
- Undertaking that the innovator has not received similar grants for the same project.
How to apply (step by step)
- Identify a NIDHI-PRAYAS Centre (usually hosted at an Incubator or Academic Institution).
- Prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining the hardware concept and technical feasibility.
- Wait for the call for applications issued by the specific PRAYAS Centre.
- Submit the application form along with the required documents through the portal of the chosen centre.
- Present the idea before a Local Monitoring Committee (LMC) or selection panel.
- Sign an agreement with the PRAYAS Centre upon selection.
- Milestone-based disbursement of the grant into a dedicated project account.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Cycle | Cycles vary by PRAYAS Centre; verify on official portal for active calls. |
| Project Duration | As per latest notification, verify on official portal for maximum extension limits. |
Conclusion
The NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme is a vital lifeline for Indian entrepreneurs venturing into the capital-intensive hardware space. By removing the initial financial barrier of prototyping, it allows inventors to test their designs and move toward commercialization or further VC funding. For those with a radical physical product idea, NIDHI-PRAYAS offers the perfect launchpad to transform a concept into a tangible reality.
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