The NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme is a central initiative providing pre-incubation grants for young innovators and startups to develop proof-of-concept.
The NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups) scheme is a central government initiative administered by the Department of Science & Technology. It aims to foster innovation by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups.
This scheme provides pre-incubation grants designed to assist with the crucial proof-of-concept development phase. Funding is channeled through a network of NIDHI-empanelled Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) hubs and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) across India.
Specific programs operating under the NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme include:
NIDHI-PRAYAS provides up to ₹10L in grant funding for young innovators to develop prototypes at Technology Business Incubators across India.
Recently closed — many schemes re-open each cycle, so these are worth tracking for the next cohort.
Grant up to ₹10L from DERBI Foundation to convert tech ideas into hardware prototypes. Open to Indian citizens 18+ with physical product ideas.
DST NIDHI PRAYAS at CIE IIIT Hyderabad offers up to ₹10 lakh prototyping grant for hardware/deep-tech ideas, with mentoring and lab access.
Nidhi PRAYAS Grant at IIEC IIT Gandhinagar supports young innovators with up to ₹10L to convert ideas into functional prototypes, aiding pre-incubation and commercialization.
A Department of Science & Technology (DST) grant offering up to ₹10 lakhs for idea-stage innovators to develop physical hardware prototypes.
Compare this scheme's programs against the wider funding landscape.