NIDHI-PRAYAS programme

The NIDHI-PRAYAS programme is run by the DST, Government of India. It was launched to enable young innovators to convert their technology-based ideas into prototypes and eventually into commercial-viable products. As an MSME or startup, if you are innovating a product and need early-stage support this scheme could help you.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Idea to Prototype funding: The scheme provides seed grant support so you can move from concept to working prototype, helping bridge the gap between research and market-ready product.
Sector-agnostic support: You may be working in any area of science and technology - the scheme does not limit to one sector, enabling broader innovation.
Up to ₹10 lakhs funding for each innovator/startup: If your idea is selected, you may receive grant-funding up to ₹10 lakhs to enable development of prototype.
Access to incubation infrastructure, mentorship and technical support: Selected innovators get access to incubation and prototyping infrastructure , along with mentorship and industry connections.
Duration of project up to 18 months: The project under the scheme must typically be completed within around 18 months, so your prototype development and early validation need to fit within this timeframe.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation
Prototype Grant	Up to ₹10 lakhs	If your startup develops an IoT-based sensor product, you might get ₹8 lakhs to build the physical prototype, test it, validate and prepare for commercial rollout.
Infrastructure & Incubation Access	Access to fab-lab, test infrastructure	You get access to incubation centre or fab-lab facilities so you don’t need to buy all equipment. Example: Using the incubator test-bed for 6 months to validate your device.
Mentorship & Business Support	Technical and business mentoring	You are paired with mentors who help you refine your product specification, business model, IP strategy. Example: Mentor helps you identify 2 – 3 potential pilot customers and helps refine product for them.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply:

Indian citizens with innovative technology- or knowledge-based ideas, aspiring to create a prototype under a registered incubator .
Early-stage innovators who have not yet commercialised the idea and intend to register/incubate at a partner Technology Business Incubator or institution during the support period.
Innovations in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, cleantech, IoT and other technology domains.
Preference to youth, women innovators, and ideas with social-impact potential or emerging technology risk.

Who Cannot Apply:

Ideas or projects already commercialised or with significant market traction .
Students pursuing full-time doctoral research or academic projects with no plan for start-up/entrepreneurial translation.
Registered companies or organisations applying for converting their own institutional IP into a product without individual innovator/entrepreneur lead.
Innovations purely software without any physical prototyping requirement or non-tech ideas outside the listed domains.

Documents Required

Concept note / business plan of the innovation
Profile of innovator: CVs, roles, prior experience
Proof of Indian citizenship, KYC of the lead innovator
Team registration/incubator affiliation letter
If IP is from institution, a No Objection Certificate for transfer or rights as required.
Financial projections / commercialization roadmap
Institutional certifications and past achievement summary

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit

Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.
Recommended for: Innovators who want assistance in navigating documentation, selection process and liaising with the incubator.

Option 2: Direct Government/Incubator Process

Visit the official NIDHI-PRAYAS page on DST/NIDHI portal.
Identify a listed PRAYAS Centre and submit the technology concept, team profile, innovation plan.
Short-listing, presentation to selection committee, finalisation of prototype grant.
After approval, avail the grant, work in incubator infrastructure, develop prototype and submit progress reports.

Option 3: Apply Through Official Online Portal
Visit the NIDHI-PRAYAS section on the official DST/NIDHI portal, fill the online application form, upload required documents and submit. The system will route your application to the selected PRAYAS Centre for evaluation.