NIDHI PRAYAS Scheme 2026: Up to ₹40 Lakh Prototyping Grant, Eligibility & Application Process
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Quick answer
NIDHI PRAYAS provides prototyping grants of up to ₹20 lakh at Level 1 centres and up to ₹40 lakh at Level 2 centres to help innovators convert novel ideas into working prototypes. The scheme is open to individual innovators and DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated within the last 5 years with turnover under ₹1 crore. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through designated NIDHI-PRAYAS Centres at selected TBIs.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹40 lakh prototyping grant |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology. It aims to support young innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs in turning novel technology concepts into tangible proof-of-concept prototypes. Beneficiaries receive prototyping funding alongside access to fabrication labs (PRAYAS Shalas), incubation infrastructure, technical guidance, mentorship, and industry linkages through accredited Technology Business Incubators across India.
Benefits
- Level 1 Centres (PCs) provide prototyping grants of up to ₹20 lakh to each supported innovator or startup.
- Level 2 Advance Centres (APCs) provide prototyping grants of up to ₹40 lakh per innovator or startup.
- Access to fabrication facilities, incubation infrastructure, and PRAYAS Shalas (Fab Labs).
- Technical mentorship, financial guidance, and networking linkages with industry experts.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Individual innovators are eligible to apply under the scheme.
- Startups recognised by DPIIT incorporated in India are eligible.
- Applying startups must not have more than 5 years of existence from incorporation.
- Startup annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹1 crore in any financial year.
- The innovation must be technology-based or deep-tech with potential for commercialisation.
Who cannot apply
- Startups in existence for more than 5 years are not eligible.
- Startups with an annual turnover exceeding ₹1 crore in any financial year are excluded.
Documents required
- Aadhaar Card (Identity Proof)
- PAN Card (Applicant or Startup)
- Detailed Project Proposal
- Bank account details (cancelled cheque or bank passbook)
How to apply
- 1Visit the official NIDHI-PRAYAS portal (nidhi-prayas.org) and review active calls for proposals.
- 2Identify and select an eligible NIDHI-PRAYAS Centre or Advance PRAYAS Centre located at a participating Technology Business Incubator.
- 3Register an account on the application portal with your personal and venture details.
- 4Fill in the online application form and describe your technological idea and execution plan.
- 5Upload your project proposal, Aadhaar card, PAN card, and bank documents.
- 6Submit the application for review and screening by the incubator committee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme?+
It is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology that provides early-stage prototyping funding and incubator support to help innovators build working technology prototypes.
How much grant can an innovator receive under NIDHI PRAYAS?+
Innovators can receive up to ₹20 lakh through Level 1 PRAYAS Centres and up to ₹40 lakh through Level 2 Advance PRAYAS Centres.
Can an individual without an incorporated startup apply?+
Yes, individual innovators are eligible to apply, though they may be required to register a startup later as per programme guidelines.
What is the turnover limit for startup eligibility?+
The annual turnover of the startup must not have exceeded ₹1 crore in any financial year.
Is the scheme restricted to specific technology sectors?+
No, NIDHI-PRAYAS is sector-agnostic and supports technology-based and deep-tech innovations across all fields.
What can the prototyping grant funds be spent on?+
The grant can be utilised for prototype fabrication, proof of concept development, product testing, validation, and other approved project costs.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)