NIDHI Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS)

NIDHI Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups, known as NIDHI-PRAYAS, is a flagship program by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. It is designed to support young innovators in transforming their ideas into working prototypes. The program provides early-stage grant funding of up to ₹10 lakh, along with access to infrastructure, mentorship, and guidance at Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). Aligned with the 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat Mission,' NIDHI-PRAYAS emphasizes fostering indigenous innovations. Beneficiaries receive not only financial support but also the ecosystem needed to convert their concepts into commercially viable prototypes.

• Grant funding of up to ₹10L per project.
• Open to students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups.
• Access to TBI infrastructure and mentorship.
• Aligned with the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Mission to promote indigenous innovations.
• No specific deadline mentioned; applications accepted year-round via PRAYAS Centres.

The program is open to a broad range of individuals and entities: students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups. Applicants must have an innovative idea that can be developed into a prototype. There is no specific restriction on industry or state; however, applicants must apply through a NIDHI-PRAYAS Centre (a designated TBI).

NIDHI Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

NIDHI Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

• Grant funding of up to ₹10 lakh.
• Access to infrastructure and resources at Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
• Mentorship and guidance to help convert ideas into commercially viable prototypes.

NIDHI Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) is offered by Department of Science & Technology, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to NIDHI Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS), 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 Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) 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.