NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0 Scheme – Up to ₹10 Lakhs Non-Dilutive Prototyping Grant for Innovators
PRomoting and Accelerating Young and ASpiring innovators & startups (DST Govt of India)
Flagship grant scheme by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) providing up to ₹10 Lakhs in 100% non-dilutive prototype grant support to young innovators, researchers, and early-stage tech startups to transform technical concepts and proof-of-concepts into tangible hardware and software prototypes.
Who Can Apply?
Verified criteria and borrower eligibility guidelines set by the Government of India.
Individual Innovators & Students
Individual tech inventors, engineers, and student innovators working on breakthrough technological innovations.
Early-Stage Startups
DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated for less than 3 years with an innovative product roadmap.
Academic Researchers
Faculty, scientists, and researchers looking to translate university lab research into commercial hardware prototypes.
Indian Citizens
Indian nationals or startup entities with minimum 51% Indian citizen shareholding.
TRL Level 2-3 Innovators
Innovators with validated proof-of-concept (PoC) seeking maker-space labs to build functional minimum viable products.
Deeptech & Hardware Pioneers
Projects spanning IoT, Robotics, Medtech, Cleantech, Agritech, EV tech, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Key Features
Core benefits, guarantees, and subsidy structures under this flagship program.
100% Grant-in-Aid Support
Up to ₹10 Lakhs non-dilutive financial assistance covering fabrication, raw materials, testing, and prototype tooling.
PRAYAS Centre (PC) Lab Access
Dedicated access to high-end prototyping maker-spaces, 3D printers, CNC machines, and testing equipment across top TBIs.
Structured 18-Month Runway
Up to 18 months of milestone-based incubation handholding to build, test, and validate the prototype.
Zero Equity / Zero Repayment
Founders retain 100% intellectual property (IP) and 100% equity with no repayment obligation.
Direct Pipeline to NIDHI EIR & SSP
Successful PRAYAS prototypes receive fast-track entry into NIDHI EIR fellowship and NIDHI Seed Support Program.
Expert Technical Mentorship
Direct mentorship from industry specialists, incubator managers, and domain scientists.
Scheme Benefits
Application Process
PRAYAS Centre Selection
Select a DST-recognized PRAYAS Centre (TBI) and align with current open call application cycle.
Application & DPR Submission
Submit detailed innovation pitch, technical concept note, milestone timelines, and bill of materials (BOM).
Monitoring Committee (PMC) Pitch
Present the prototype design, technological feasibility, and commercial roadmap before the PRAYAS Monitoring Committee.
Agreement Signing & Grant Tranches
Sign incubation & grant agreement with the host TBI and receive milestone-linked grant disbursements.
Prototype Validation & Graduation
Complete prototype fabrication, conduct lab testing, and prepare for seed funding and product launch.
Documents Required
Keep the following paperwork ready for instant verification and fast processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Build Your Tech Prototype with NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0?
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