Sarkari Yojana
NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS)
About NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS)
NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) is a Department of Science and Technology (DST) scheme, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, that helps young innovators and startups turn ideas into prototypes or proof of concept (PoC) with financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh. It also gives access to incubation infrastructure, mentorship, technical and financial guidance, and industry connections through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and PRAYAS Shalas (Fab Labs), all in support of indigenous innovation, technology-driven entrepreneurship, and commercially viable products aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission. Objectives NIDHI – PRAYAS aims to:-
- Turn innovative ideas into prototypes.
- Offer a platform for faster experimentation and refinement on the idea-to-market path.
- Generate indigenous, innovative solutions to local and global problems.
- Draw large numbers of youth who show problem-solving drive and the ability to build new technology/knowledge/innovation-based startups.
- Strengthen both the quality and quantity of innovative startups reaching incubators, and build a vibrant innovation ecosystem linking innovators, academia, mentors, and incubators.
Scheme Overview
Central Government
Ministry Of Science And Technology
Individual
Scheme Details
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS), applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
A DPIIT-recognised startup or an individual innovator can…
A DPIIT-recognised startup or an individual innovator can apply.
A recognised startup must be incorporated in India,…
A recognised startup must be incorporated in India, no more than 5 years old, with annual turnover in any financial year not exceeding ₹1 crore.
Benefits Provided
NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:
Level 1 – PCs
Level 1 – PCs: Innovators/startups backed by a Level 1 Centre PC can get up to ₹20 Lakhs in prototyping grants, with DST providing up to ₹2 crore per annum to each PC.
Level 2 – APCs
Level 2 – APCs: Provides prototyping grants of up to ₹40 lakh per innovator/startup, with DST providing up to ₹4 crore per annum to each APC.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
The applicant's Aadhaar card to establish identity
The applicant's Aadhaar card to establish identity
PAN card belonging to the applicant or to…
PAN card belonging to the applicant or to the startup
A comprehensive proposal describing the project
A comprehensive proposal describing the project
Banking details, supported by a cancelled cheque or…
Banking details, supported by a cancelled cheque or the bank passbook
How to Apply
Online Application
Applicants can apply for NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) through the online application process outlined below.
Application Process
Application For Startup Incubation Centres
Startup Incubation Centres/TBIs wishing to run the NIDHI-PRAYAS programme can apply through the open call-for-proposals on the NIDHI-PRAYAS PMU Website.
Application For Startups and Innovators
Interested students and innovators can apply for NIDHI – PRAYAS support through NIDHI – PRAYAS Centres (at selected TBIs).
Official Application & Website
Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.