Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups & MSMEs (PRISM)

The scheme is the PRISM – Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups & MSMEs, administered by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. The scheme supports individuals, start-ups and MSMEs in carrying out research & development (R&D) projects, prototypes and innovation to commercial products. It aims to bridge the gap between . idea/proof-of-concept and commercialization so your business (as an MSME) can pursue new technologies or processes

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

Key Features

Support for proof-of-concept, prototype, model development: Under PRISM, individuals, start-ups and MSMEs can apply for grant support to validate an idea, build a prototype or model. This allows you to test viability before full commercialisation.
Funding up to specified limits and cost-sharing requirement: The scheme lays down maximum support amounts and typically requires the applicant to contribute part of the cost. For example, for Phase-I Category-I (proof-of-concept) the maximum support may be up to ₹ 2 lakh or 90% of total cost whichever is lower.
Support for enterprise incubation & scaling up of technology-based innovations: The scheme allows for Phase-II (Enterprise Incubation) where after proof-of-concept you may scale the innovation towards marketable product/process. In such cases support may go up to ₹ 50 lakh limited to 50% of project cost.
Dedicated category for R&D proposals aimed at MSME clusters: There is a category under the PRISM scheme for R&D proposals to develop technology solutions for MSME clusters, where the grant may be up to ₹ 50 lakh and cost-sharing is 50% of project cost.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation & Example
Proof-of-Concept / Prototype (Category-I)	Up to ₹ 2 lakh or 90% of project cost (whichever is lower)	Example: If your idea costs ₹ 1.5 lakh to build a working model, the grant may cover up to ₹ 1.35 lakh (90% of cost) under this category.
Enterprise Incubation / Scaling (Phase-II)	Up to ₹ 50 lakh, limited to 50% of project cost	Example: You have completed prototype and plan to scale it with cost ₹ 1 crore. Under this phase you may receive up to ₹ 50 lakh (50% of cost).
R&D Solutions for MSME Clusters	Up to ₹ 50 lakh, support up to 50% of total cost	Example: MSME cluster needs a technology solution costing ₹ 1 crore; under this you may get up to ₹ 50 lakh as grant.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply:

Indian citizens (including student innovators) having an innovative idea and willing to convert it into a prototype or process.
Start-ups or enterprises (after proof of concept achieved) under Phase II
R&D institutes/autonomous organizations or societies registered under relevant Acts, especially for proposals targeting MSME clusters.

Who cannot apply:

Projects purely of academic research (without commercialization potential) or pure software development with no demonstrable prototype (in many cases) may be excluded.
Entities not meeting Indian nationality or not fulfilling required registration or structure (in the case of organisations) may be disqualified.
Projects without clear market/commercial application or ineligible sectors as per scheme norms.

Documents Required

Completed application form as per phase/category.
Innovator’s identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN), address proof.
Summary of innovation, prototype plan, commercialization strategy.
For student applicants: NOC from institution/employer if applicable
Budget and cost estimates, itemised cost statement.
If applicable: registration/incorporation documents of start-up or society/organisation.
For R&D projects: institution details, prior work, cluster linkage.

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)

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: Individual innovators, student groups, startups with lean teams.

Option 2: Government Process via DSIR

Visit the DSIR website under the PRISM section and download the relevant guidelines (Phase I / Phase II / R&D).
Identify which phase/category your innovation fits into - e.g., Phase I Cat-I (proof of concept), Cat-II (prototype/process), Phase II (enterprise incubation), or R&D (MSME cluster solutions).
Prepare your application: project summary, innovation description, budget, deliverables, commercialization plan, and submit (often via a TOCIC – TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre) or directly to DSIR.
The project is evaluated by experts (Domain Knowledge Experts) and selected via PRISM Advisory & Screening Committee (PASC). Upon approval, funds are released in instalments upon achieving milestones.

Option 3: Via affiliated incubators or innovation centres
Innovators may approach designated incubators/innovation centres (TOCICs) affiliated with DSIR-PRISM, which provide mentoring, help application, and act as interface