PRISM Scheme Category-2 2026: Up to ₹20 Lakh Grant for Working Models & Patents

At a glance

About the scheme

The Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM) Category-2 scheme is an initiative by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. It aims to support independent innovators, working professionals, and student creators in translating novel ideas into functional prototypes and commercial processes. Under Phase-I Category-II, the programme funds the fabrication of working models, process know-how, testing, trials, and patent filing for projects with clear commercial potential, guiding grassroots technology development through dedicated innovation outreach centres.

Benefits

• Financial support of up to ₹20,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost, whichever is lower.
• Funding for research and development, design engineering, and consultancy charges.
• Support for rental expenses of external laboratory and workshop facilities.
• Procurement of essential equipment that cannot be taken on rent, with proper justification.
• Coverage for raw materials, spares, consumables, fabrication, and synthesis charges.
• Technical assistant manpower costs covered up to 20% of the approved project budget.
• Testing, field trial, and process know-how development costs.
• Reimbursement of official patent filing fees paid to the patent office.
• Travel expenditure covered up to a ceiling of 5% of the approved project cost.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must be a citizen of India.
• The applicant must hold an original innovative idea or technical invention.
• The estimated project cost must be more than ₹5,00,000 and up to ₹35,00,000.
• The proposed project must have an execution duration of not more than 24 months.
• The proposal must focus on fabricating a working model, process know-how, testing, trial, patenting, or technology transfer.
• Student applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate from their institutional head on official letterhead.
• Student projects require an institutional commitment letter confirming the project will be taken to completion.
• Employed applicants must provide a No Objection Certificate from their employer.

Who cannot apply

• Salary or personal compensation for the innovator.
• Rental charges for utilizing the applicant's own facilities or premises.
• Proposals focused solely on software development.
• Proposals exclusively seeking patent filing without accompanying prototype development.
• Basic scientific research proposals lacking direct or immediate commercial implications.

Documents required

• Proof of residence (issued by DM/SDM, Ration Card, or other valid residence proof).
• Aadhaar card copy.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN).
• Documentary evidence of prior work done (videos, photographs, press coverage, or patent search).
• Brief write-up outlining the original idea, invention, know-how, or intellectual property rights.
• Detailed activity work plan with monitorable milestones, targeted product specifications, and performance standards.
• Itemised cost estimation and timeline with justification for essential equipment in a separate annexure.
• Contact details of two referees including address, phone number, and email ID.
• Latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) copy, if an income tax payer.
• No Objection Certificate from the head of the institution or employer (for students or working professionals).
• Institutional commitment letter (for student applicants).
• Signed Terms and Conditions document (required before grant release).
• Project Completion Report (required at the time of project closure).

How to apply

1. 1Download the Category-2 application form from the official DSIR portal.
2. 2Consult coordinators at your nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC) for guidance and proposal refinement.
3. 3Fill in all personal, project, timeline, and budgetary details, attaching all mandatory certificates and referee contacts.
4. 4Submit the completed physical application along with annexures to your nearest TOCIC or directly to DSIR.
5. 5Attend screening and evaluation by Domain Knowledge Experts and the PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC).
6. 6Sign the official Terms and Conditions agreement upon project sanction to receive grant instalments based on milestones.

Frequently asked questions