DST NIDHI PRAYAS Program at CIE - IIIT Hyderabad

About this scheme

The DST NIDHI PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups) Program is a flagship initiative providing a prototyping grant and expert guidance to help innovators bring their ideas to life.

The program focuses on helping applicants:
Develop a working Hardware PoC/Prototype over a typical duration of 12 months.
Access state-of-the-art facilities and labs, including 3D Printing, Cutting, Welding, and Electrical Lab machinery.
Receive guidance from mentors and industry experts to validate the product and accelerate innovation.

The IP generated through the PRAYAS project will vest with the innovator/startup.

Who can apply

• Must be an Indian citizen aged 18 and above.
• Must have an idea for a hardware or deep-tech product prototype. The grant supports the journey from idea to working prototype.
• Cannot have received similar funding from other government programs for the same product.
• Innovator/Team:
• The innovator should have the know-how of the PRAYAS project.
• For a team, there must be an agreement about the lead innovator who will receive the funds.
• Startups:
• The company's existence and operations must not exceed 7 years from the Date of Incorporation at the time of application.
• The company's annual turnover must not exceed Rs. 25 lakhs for any financial year since its inception.
• Students/Employed Innovators: Must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institution/organization granting permission to apply and sufficient time to work on the project.

Frequently asked questions