GrantMinistry of Science and Technology (administered via the Department of Science and Technology).Verified 11 May 2026Official source

National Innovation Foundation — Grassroots Innovation Grant

Supports frugal, grassroots, and traditional knowledge-based innovations by individual innovators and early startups. Provides grants up to ₹25L, IP filing support at no cost, techno-market feasibility studies, and linkage with manufacturers and investors.

Maximum amount
₹25.0L
Typical payout
₹5.0L
Processing time
12–52 weeks
Application window
Open year-round

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Eligibility criteria

Company type
Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company, Proprietorship
Stage
Idea Stage, Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr)
States
All India (nationwide)
Sectors
agritech, healthtech, manufacturing, cleantech, other

Documents required

1
Detailed Innovation/Idea Description
A comprehensive write-up explaining the working mechanism of the innovation, the problem it solves, its utility, and the materials used. This is the primary document NIF evaluates.
Tip: Write in plain language — NIF supports grassroots innovators and expects practical, jargon-free explanations. Handwritten submissions are accepted for physical/speed-post applications.
2
Identity Proof
Self-attested copy of Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or any Government-issued ID to verify Indian citizenship. Aadhaar is the most commonly accepted option.
Tip: For online submission, a scanned self-attested copy is accepted. Ensure the document is valid and clearly readable.
3
Address Proof
Copy of an electricity bill, ration card, or bank passbook confirming the applicant residential address. NIF is for individual grassroots innovators — this is personal residential address proof, not business premises.
Tip: Any one of the three options is sufficient. The document must show your name and current address. Bank passbook is often the most readily available.
4
Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Form
A signed declaration by the innovator granting NIF permission to document, validate, and diffuse their traditional knowledge or innovation. Protects both NIF processing rights and the innovator attribution.
Tip: Download the PIC form from nif.org.in before submission. Sign and date it — unsigned forms are rejected. A scanned signed copy is accepted for online submissions.
5
Visual Proofs (Photographs / Drawings / Video)
Clear photographs, engineering drawings, or video demonstrations of the working prototype or innovation. Required for physical inventions and prototypes; not needed for pure ideas or traditional knowledge entries. No canonical key covers prototype visual documentation.
Tip: Submit at least 3–4 photographs from different angles. For complex mechanisms, a short video (YouTube link or emailed file) is strongly recommended and significantly strengthens the evaluation.
6
Caste or Disability Certificate
Self-attested copies of SC, ST, or OBC certificates if claiming category relaxations. PwD applicants should submit a disability certificate from a government medical board instead. Conditional — required only if applicable to the applicant category.
Tip: Must be issued by a competent state authority (Tehsildar or equivalent). Not required for General category applicants. Bring originals for verification during any NIF field visit.
7
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Employer
Required if the applicant is employed at a formal institution (government, university, or corporate) and developed the innovation independently outside official duties. Confirms the innovation is not the institution's IP.
Tip: Conditional — needed only for formally employed applicants. Obtain it on official letterhead, signed by HR or the head of department. Self-employed and informal-sector applicants do not need this.
8
Herbal or Plant Sample / Ingredient List
Physical samples or a written record of local names, exact proportions, and preparation methods for innovations involving traditional herbal medicine or ethnobotanical knowledge. Conditional — applies only to plant-based or traditional medicine entries. No canonical key covers physical samples or traditional knowledge materials.
Tip: If posting physical samples, seal and label them clearly with local and botanical names. Include them alongside the printed application in the same package.

How to apply for NIF

1
Submit your innovation online at nif.org.in/submitidea, by email to campaign@nifindia.org, or by speed post to NIF headquarters: Grambharti, Amrapur, Gandhinagar-Mahudi Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382650Open portal
2
SDDM team conducts preliminary screening — reviews entries for alignment with green, low-cost, or sustainable technology parameters
3
NIF field team visits your location to verify claims, photograph the prototype, or confirm traditional knowledge within the local community
4
VARD division and Research Advisory Committee (RAC) review technical viability, novelty, and safety profiles of shortlisted innovations
5
Approved projects are sanctioned based on social or commercial impact potential — NIF tailors a financial plan covering prototype optimisation, testing, or IPR protection
6
Funds disbursed directly to the innovator's bank account in milestone-linked phases: raw material procurement, prototype completion, then market trial

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for NIF?

NIF is available to Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company, Proprietorship companies at the Idea Stage, Pre-Revenue, Early Stage (Revenue < ₹1Cr) stage, across all Indian states (nationwide).

How much funding does NIF provide?

NIF provides up to ₹25.0L. Most applicants receive around ₹5.0L.

How long does NIF approval take?

The typical processing time from submission to disbursement is 12–52 weeks.

Is NIF currently accepting applications?

Yes, NIF is currently active and accepting applications. Application window: Open year-round.

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Information is based on publicly available scheme guidelines. Last verified 11 May 2026. Always verify with official sources before applying.