NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation
Grant up to ₹10L from DERBI Foundation to convert tech ideas into hardware prototypes. Open to Indian citizens 18+ with physical product ideas.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- DERBI Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Aug 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The NIDHI-PRAYAS program at DERBI Foundation is a grant initiative under the Department of Science & Technology's national mission to nurture young technology entrepreneurs. It specifically targets idea-stage innovators who aim to develop a physical prototype from their tech-driven concept. By providing financial support up to ₹10 lakh, the program helps bridge the gap between an idea and a tangible product, fostering a robust startup ecosystem in India. The program is designed for individuals or teams committed to building hardware solutions, ensuring that the intellectual property generated remains with the innovator or startup.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹10 lakh with no equity dilution.
- IP ownership stays with the innovator/startup.
- Open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above.
- Focus on hardware/physical product prototypes.
- Part of DST's national NIDHI-PRAYAS initiative.
- Application deadline: 15 August 2025.
Who can apply
Who Can Apply:
- Indian citizen, minimum 18 years of age.
- Existing incubatee of a PRAYAS centre (incubator) whose company is less than 2 years old and has no significant revenue.
- A team of individual innovators (one lead applicant must be designated).
Supported Projects:
- Must involve the development of a physical product/hardware.
- The IP of the developed prototype must vest with the innovator/startup.
Ineligible Applicants/Projects:
- Student applicants pursuing long-term research projects (e.g., doctoral research).
- Professors or Academicians engaged in teaching at any academic or R&D institute.
- Projects relating to software development or pure academic research.
- Any institute/organization (not being a startup company) seeking to develop an IP into a prototype.
NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation closed on 15 Aug 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected innovators receive a grant of up to ₹10 lakh to develop their technology-driven idea into a physical prototype. The funding is non-dilutive, meaning no equity is taken in return. Additionally, the IP of the developed prototype remains with the innovator or startup, ensuring full ownership of their creation.
About the provider
NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation is offered by DERBI Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by DERBI Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total funding amount offered?
The program offers a grant of up to ₹10 lakh.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 15 August 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian citizens aged 18 or above who are existing incubatees of a PRAYAS centre (incubator) with a company less than 2 years old and no significant revenue. Teams of individual innovators can also apply, with one lead applicant designated.
What types of projects are supported?
Only projects involving the development of a physical product or hardware are supported. Software development or pure academic research projects are not eligible.
Does the program take equity?
No, the funding is a grant and does not require any equity stake.
Who retains the intellectual property (IP) of the prototype?
The IP of the developed prototype must vest with the innovator or startup.
Are students or professors eligible?
Student applicants pursuing long-term research (e.g., doctoral) and professors/academicians engaged in teaching are not eligible.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The provided information does not specify any requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration.
How can I apply?
Applications are submitted through a Google Form. The apply link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4_feUnIc5xiZ06GXndVc9VRs_G-B8fgtLOY2ixUBFHFbZ7Q/viewform.
What documents are typically needed for application?
The specific documents required are not listed in the program details. However, you may need to provide details about your innovation, team, and project plan.
Who offers NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation?
NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation is offered by DERBI Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from DERBI Foundation
DERBI Foundation runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
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