NIDHI-PRAYAS: Fueling Hardware Innovations with Product Development Grants

The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs (NIDHI-PRAYAS) is a flagship program under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It focuses on addressing the gap between an idea and a prototype by providing financial and technical support to hardware-based startups and innovators.

What is this scheme?

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a 'Proof-of-Concept' grant intended to support young innovators in turning their ideas into tangible hardware prototypes. Managed through PRAYAS Centres (PCs) across India, the scheme provides not just funding but also access to fabrication labs (Fab Labs) and mentorship to mitigate the risks involved in early-stage hardware development.

Who is eligible?

• Individual innovators or start-up founders with a clear hardware product idea.
• The applicant must be an Indian Citizen.
• Student applicants must have completed a basic degree or be in the final year of a technical course.
• If a startup, the entity must be DPIIT recognized and should not have exceeded 7 years from the date of incorporation.
• The innovator should not have received similar prototyping grants for the same idea from other government sources.

How much money?

A maximum grant-in-aid of up to ₹10 Lakhs per project for prototype development.

Documents needed

1. Aadhar Card of the applicant.
2. Proof of Indian Citizenship.
3. Detailed Project Report (DPR) explaining the technical feasibility.
4. Business Plan indicating commercial potential.
5. Startup Incorporation Certificate (if applicable).
6. Academic certificates (for student applicants).

How to apply (step by step)

1. Identify a PRAYAS Centre (PC) near your location through the official DST/NIDHI portal.
2. Submit an online application during the call for proposals at the specific PC.
3. Present the prototype idea and technical roadmap before a Project Management Committee (PMC).
4. Upon selection, sign a grant agreement with the PRAYAS Centre.
5. Utilize the funds and Fab Lab facilities for a period of 12 to 18 months to develop the prototype.
6. Submit periodic progress reports and a final project completion report.

Important dates

Conclusion

NIDHI-PRAYAS serves as a critical bridge for Indian hardware entrepreneurs, ensuring that brilliant ideas don't fail due to a lack of early-stage capital. By providing the resources to build a physical prototype, DST empowers innovators to validate their products before seeking larger commercial investments.