NIDHI-PRAYAS: A Grant for Aspiring Hardware and Product Entrepreneurs

The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) through its PRomoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) program serves as a bridge for innovators to move from an idea to a functional prototype. Managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this grant is specifically focused on hardware innovators who need a ‘proof-of-concept’ to validate their technology.

What is this scheme?

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a dedicated grant established to provide early-stage support for hardware-based product startups and individual innovators. Unlike many schemes that require a registered company, PRAYAS focuses on the pre-incubation phase, allowing innovators to build a physical prototype without the immediate pressure of revenue or equity dilution. It is implemented through PRAYAS Centres (PCs) located within reputed incubators across India.

Who is eligible?

• The applicant must be an individual innovator or a start-up founder.
• Individuals must be Indian citizens aged 18 years or older as of the application date.
• If in a team, at least one member must be a full-time innovator on the project.
• Students are eligible but must have a faculty mentor or be a recent graduate.
• The project must involve hardware or a physical product, not purely software.
• Applicant should not have received more than ₹10 Lakhs in grants for the same idea previously.

How much money?

Grant up to ₹10,00,000 (INR Ten Lakhs) for prototyping and development.

Documents needed

1. Aadhar Card and Identity Proof of the primary applicant
2. Detailed Project Report (DPR) explaining the technical feasibility
3. Estimated budget breakdown for the prototype development
4. Letter of support or No Objection Certificate (NOC) if employed or studying
5. Photographs or sketches of the proposed product design

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official NIDHI-PRAYAS portal or identified PRAYAS Centre website.
2. Check for active 'Call for Applications' which happen periodically.
3. Submit a detailed online application including the problem statement and solution.
4. Undergo a screening process by the local PRAYAS Centre committee.
5. Present the prototype idea and roadmap to a Project Management Committee (PMC).
6. If selected, sign a grant agreement and open a dedicated bank account for fund disbursement.

Important dates

Conclusion

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a game-changer for hardware entrepreneurs in India, filling the critical funding gap during the prototyping phase. By providing financial support and access to fabrication labs, it empowers innovators to take their first step toward commercialization. For those with a path-breaking physical product idea, this scheme remains the most sought-after pre-incubation support in the country.