NIDHI-PRAYAS Grant: Fueling Your Innovative Hardware Startup with ₹10 Lakhs
Learn about the NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme offering up to ₹10 Lakhs for hardware innovators. Check eligibility, application steps, and benefits for Indian startups.
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) Promotion and Acceleration of Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) is a flagship scheme launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It specifically addresses the critical gap in funding between the 'Idea' stage and the 'Prototype' stage for hardware-based technology startups in India.
What is this scheme?
PRAYAS is a specialized pre-incubation program that provides financial support to young innovators to turn their innovative ideas into proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototypes. The scheme aims to support innovators by providing access to infrastructure, mentorship, and a non-equity grant to offset the costs of hardware fabrication and development.
Who is eligible?
- An individual innovator or a start-up with a focus on hardware/product development.
- Must be an Indian citizen with age at least 18 years.
- The start-up should not be older than 7 years from the date of registration.
- Innovators must be associated with a PRAYAS Centre (PC) throughout the program duration.
- The idea should have a physical product focus, excluding pure software, e-commerce, or service-based models.
- If the applicant is an employee, they must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
How much money?
A grant-in-aid of up to ₹10 Lakhs is awarded per innovator for prototype development.
Documents needed
- Aadhar Card of the individual/founder
- Company Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Prototype Plan
- Educational qualification certificates
- Bank account details (linked to Aadhar)
- Declaration for not having received similar grants for the same idea
How to apply (step by step)
- Identify and contact a DST-recognized PRAYAS Centre (Incubator) that is currently calling for applications.
- Prepare a detailed pitch deck or proposal focusing on the technical feasibility and market potential of your hardware product.
- Submit the application form through the official portal of the PRAYAS Centre or the designated DST link.
- Undergo a screening process which usually involves a presentation before a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC).
- If selected, sign an agreement with the PRAYAS Centre and begin the prototype development within the stipulated timeline.
- Receive fund disbursements in milestones as per the progress of the prototype.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Cycle | Occurs periodically throughout the year; monitored by individual PRAYAS Centres. |
| Program Duration | Typically 12 to 18 months for prototype completion. |
Conclusion
The NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme is a game-changer for hardware engineers and product designers in India who often face significant barriers in early-stage prototyping. By providing non-equity funding and access to high-end labs, the Indian government ensures that brilliant ideas don't die on paper due to a lack of resources.
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