NIDHI-PRAYAS Grant: Financial Support for Hardware and Product Entrepreneurs
Learn about the NIDHI-PRAYAS grant for hardware startups. Get up to ₹10 Lakhs for prototyping, eligibility criteria, and how to apply through PRAYAS Centres.
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) – Promoting and Accelerating Young and ASPiring innovators (PRAYAS) is a flagship scheme under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It specifically targets early-stage hardware innovators who need a financial bridge to convert their innovative ideas into tangible prototypes.
What is this scheme?
NIDHI-PRAYAS acts as a pre-incubation grant designed to support young innovators by providing them with the necessary funding and infrastructure to build a 'Proof of Concept'. Unlike many digital-focused grants, PRAYAS focuses strictly on hardware and physical product development, allowing founders to mitigate the risks associated with the prototype stage before seeking commercial investment.
Who is eligible?
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Individual innovators or teams with a physical product idea.
- Startups must not have been incorporated for more than 7 years at the time of application.
- The innovator must be at least 18 years of age.
- Preference is given to students or alumni of technical institutions and recent graduates.
- The applicant must be ready to work at a PRAYAS Centre (PC) recognized by the DST.
How much money?
A grant-in-aid of up to ₹10 Lakhs is provided per project for a duration of up to 18 months.
Documents needed
- Aadhar Card of the lead innovator
- Company Registration Certificate (if incorporated)
- Project Proposal detailing the hardware concept
- Detailed budget breakdown for prototype development
- Letter of support from a DST-recognized PRAYAS Centre
- Education qualification certificates
How to apply (step by step)
- Identify a DST-recognized PRAYAS Centre (PC) near your location.
- Monitor the call for applications issued by the specific PRAYAS Centre on their portal.
- Submit the application form with the project proposal and milestone plan.
- Undergo a screening process or interview by the Local Selection Committee (LSC).
- Upon selection, enter into an agreement with the Host Institute.
- Receive fund disbursement in installments based on the achievement of defined milestones.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Cycle | Varies by PRAYAS Centre; check official DST/National portal regularly |
| Project Duration | Maximum 18 months from the date of first disbursement |
Conclusion
The NIDHI-PRAYAS grant is a vital resource for Indian hardware entrepreneurs, filling the critical gap between an idea and a market-ready prototype. By providing both funding and access to fab-labs, the scheme empowers innovators to fail fast and learn quickly, ultimately building stronger deep-tech startups for the Indian economy.
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