NIDHI-PRAYAS: A Step-by-Step Guide to the ₹10 Lakh Hardware Grant for Start-ups
Unlock your product journey with NIDHI-PRAYAS. Learn about the ₹10 Lakh grant for hardware startups, eligibility, application process, and key benefits.
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) through its PRomoting and Accelerating Young and ASPiring innovators & startups (PRAYAS) program offers a lifeline for hardware innovators. Aimed at bridging the gap between an idea and a prototype, this grant helps technology-driven entrepreneurs overcome the 'valley of death' in product development.
What is this scheme?
NIDHI-PRAYAS is a specialized pre-incubation program supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It provides financial support to young innovators to turn their innovative ideas into proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototypes. The grant is specifically designed for physical product/hardware development, ensuring that innovators have access to fabrication labs (PRAYAS Shalas) and expert mentorship to refine their business models.
Who is eligible?
- Individual innovators or start-ups (not older than 7 years)
- The applicant must be a citizen of India
- Student innovators must be at least 18 years old
- Start-ups must have at least 51% shareholding by Indian citizens
- Proposed idea must involve a physical product (hardware focus)
- The innovator should be incubated at a PRAYAS Center (PC)
How much money?
A grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs specifically for prototype development.
Documents needed
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN Card)
- Concept Note/Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Detailed budget breakdown for prototype development
- Proof of age
- Incorporation Certificate (for startups)
- Endorsement or support letter from the PRAYAS Center (PC)
How to apply (step by step)
- Identify a DST-supported PRAYAS Center (Host Institute/Incubator).
- Wait for the call for applications issued by the specific PRAYAS Center.
- Submit the application form along with the technical proposal through the official portal of the PRAYAS Center.
- Screening of applications by the Local Screening Committee.
- Shortlisted candidates pitch their idea before the PRAYAS Management Committee (PMC).
- Upon selection, documentation and signing of the agreement for grant disbursement.
- Commence the prototype development with milestone-based fund release.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Cycle | Varies by PRAYAS Center; usually open 1-2 times per year |
| Program Duration | Up to 18 months for prototype completion |
Conclusion
NIDHI-PRAYAS is a transformative scheme for hardware entrepreneurs in India who often struggle to find capital for risky initial prototyping. By providing not just money, but also access to sophisticated labs and technical guidance, it serves as a foundation for the 'Make in India' initiative. Interested innovators should keep a close watch on the websites of DST-recognized incubators for the next call for applications.
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