NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 at TIDES Business Incubator, IIT Roorkee

The NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 program, hosted by TIDES Business Incubator at IIT Roorkee, is an initiative under the Department of Science & Technology's (DST) national NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme. This program aims to promote and accelerate young and aspiring innovators and startups. It provides crucial grant funding of up to ₹10 lakhs specifically for idea-stage innovators who need support to develop a physical hardware prototype of their innovative concept. The entire program is fully funded by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.

Beyond financial assistance, selected innovators gain access to a comprehensive support ecosystem. This includes utilization of TIDES' advanced laboratories and specialized equipment, invaluable mentorship from seasoned professionals, and dedicated co-working space within the IIT Roorkee campus. Participants also receive expert guidance in critical areas such as business development, intellectual property (IP) management, and navigating legal compliance.

This cycle prioritizes innovations in key technology sectors. These include Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare, Clean-tech, Energy, Water, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT), alongside other advanced technological domains.

• Grant funding up to ₹10 lakhs for prototype development.
• Specifically for idea-stage individual innovators.
• Focus on physical hardware products, not software or services.
• Implemented by TIDES Business Incubator at IIT Roorkee.
• Application deadline is 2026-03-30.
• Open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above, across India.

Applicants for the NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 program must be Indian Citizens who can provide valid government-approved proof of nationality, such as a passport or voter's ID card. Dual citizens or foreign nationals are not eligible to apply. Furthermore, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age on the date they submit their application.

The proposed innovation must distinctly involve the development of a physical product. Ideas that are purely software-based or service-oriented fall outside the scope of this particular program. The concept should be at the prototype-seeking stage, meaning the primary requirement for funding is to construct and validate a physical prototype of their innovative idea.

Priority consideration is given to projects within specific technology areas. These include Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare, Clean-tech, Energy, Water, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), among other advanced technology sectors.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as individual innovators, as the program is not exclusively restricted to incorporated companies. Innovators from across India are welcome to submit their applications, with no specific state-based restrictions.

NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 at TIDES Business Incubator, IIT Roorkee is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 at TIDES Business Incubator, IIT Roorkee closed on 30 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 grant receive a range of benefits designed to accelerate their prototype development and early-stage growth:

• Prototype development funding of up to ₹10 lakhs.
• Access to the state-of-the-art laboratories and specialized equipment at TIDES, IIT Roorkee.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals and industry experts.
• Dedicated co-working space located within the IIT Roorkee campus.
• Strategic assistance with business development to help scale their ventures.
• Support for intellectual property (IP) management and protection.
• Guidance on legal compliance to ensure proper operational frameworks.

NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 at TIDES Business Incubator, IIT Roorkee is offered by TIDES, IIT Roorkee, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by TIDES, IIT Roorkee as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The evaluation of applications for the NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 program is conducted by TIDES IIT Roorkee. Submissions are rigorously assessed based on their technical merit, the inherent innovation potential of the proposed concept, and the overall feasibility of the detailed prototype development plan.

Before you apply to NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 at TIDES Business Incubator, IIT Roorkee, 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.

NIDHI PRAYAS Cycle 4 at TIDES Business Incubator, IIT Roorkee 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.