GrantDSTVerified 6 May 2026Official source

DST NIDHI PRAYAS — Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators

Provides up to ₹10L as a prototype development grant for deep tech and hardware innovators. Hosted at NIDHI PRAYAS Centres, beneficiaries get access to fabrication labs, equipment, and mentors to build a working prototype.

Maximum amount
₹10.0L
Typical payout
₹10.0L
Processing time
8–16 weeks
Application window
Rolling via NIDHI PRAYAS Centres — check individual centre websites for current openings.

Eligibility criteria

Company type
Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company
Stage
Idea Stage, Pre-Revenue
States
All India (nationwide)
Sectors
ai, iot, manufacturing, cleantech, healthtech, agritech, electronics

Documents required

1
Innovation Brief
Problem, solution, technology description, prototype plan
Tip: Must explain what will be built with the ₹10L — be specific
2
Incorporation Certificate
Company registration documents
3
Team CVs
Technical backgrounds of founding team
Tip: Hardware/engineering experience strongly preferred
4
Prototype Roadmap
12-month milestone plan for prototype development
Tip: Tie milestones to fund disbursement stages

How to apply for NIDHI PRAYAS

1
Identify a NIDHI PRAYAS Centre accepting applications on the NIDHI portalOpen portal
2
Submit application with innovation brief, prototype plan, and team CVs to the PRAYAS Centre
3
Technical committee review — shortlisted teams present their concept
4
Selected teams receive ₹10L disbursed in tranches against prototype milestones

Does your startup qualify for NIDHI PRAYAS?

Answer a few questions about your company and get a personalised eligibility report across all active government schemes — including NIDHI PRAYAS.

Check your eligibility — free

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for NIDHI PRAYAS?

NIDHI PRAYAS is available to Private Limited, LLP, One Person Company companies at the Idea Stage, Pre-Revenue stage, across all Indian states (nationwide).

How much funding does NIDHI PRAYAS provide?

NIDHI PRAYAS provides up to ₹10.0L. Most applicants receive around ₹10.0L.

How long does NIDHI PRAYAS approval take?

The typical processing time from submission to disbursement is 8–16 weeks.

Is NIDHI PRAYAS currently accepting applications?

Yes, NIDHI PRAYAS is currently active and accepting applications. Application window: Rolling via NIDHI PRAYAS Centres — check individual centre websites for current openings..

Information is based on publicly available scheme guidelines. Last verified 6 May 2026. Always verify with official sources before applying.