NIDHI-PRAYAS Grant: Fueling Your Hardware Start-up Journey

The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - Promoting and Accelerating Young and ASPiring innovators (NIDHI-PRAYAS) is a flagship scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It specifically targets innovators in the hardware space who need financial support to bridge the gap between an idea and a proof-of-concept (PoC). In a landscape dominated by software, NIDHI-PRAYAS provides the critical infrastructure and funding needed for physical product development.

What is this scheme?

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a 'Proof-of-Concept' grant designed to support young innovators in turning their ideas into working prototypes. The program is implemented through various PRAYAS Centres (PCs) across India, which are typically hosted by established Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). The scheme provides both financial grants and access to fabrication labs (PRAYAS Shala) to reduce the risks associated with hardware manufacturing and design.

Who is eligible?

• An individual innovator or a team of innovators.
• The applicant must be a citizen of India.
• The innovator must be at least 18 years of age.
• Student applicants must have completed their degree or be in the final year of graduation.
• The startup, if incorporated, should not be more than 7 years old.
• The project must focus on hardware and manufacturing solutions (software-only projects are generally excluded).
• Innovators should be incubated or ready to be incubated at a PRAYAS Centre.

How much money?

A grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs is provided per project for prototype development. Additionally, selected innovators get access to fabrication facilities worth up to ₹1 Crore at the PRAYAS Centre.

Documents needed

1. Aadhaar Card of the applicant
2. Detailed Project Report (DPR) with technical specifications
3. Proof of age (Birth certificate or Passport)
4. Educational qualification certificates
5. Caste certificate (if applying under specific categories, if applicable)
6. Company registration documents (if incorporated)
7. Declaration of not receiving similar grants for the same idea from other government sources

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official NIDHI-PRAYAS portal or identified PRAYAS Centre websites.
2. Identify a PRAYAS Centre (PC) near your location or one that suits your domain specialty.
3. Download and fill out the application form with a focus on problem statement and solution design.
4. Submit the application during the active call for proposals (usually once or twice a year).
5. Undergo a screening process by the local selection committee at the PC.
6. Pitch your idea before a Project Management Committee (PMC).
7. Upon selection, sign the agreement and begin the prototyping phase under the mentorship of the incubator.

Important dates

Conclusion

The NIDHI-PRAYAS grant is a game-changer for hardware entrepreneurs in India. By providing non-dilutive funding and high-end technical infrastructure, it lowers the barrier to entry for innovators in sectors like IoT, Robotics, Healthcare, and Agri-tech. If you have a breakthrough hardware idea, this grant offers the perfect runway to convert it into a tangible, market-ready product.