NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)
Prototype grant of up to ₹10 Lakh for individual innovators to convert technology ideas into proof-of-concept hardware available across districts in All India.
Quick Eligibility Snapshot
₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown
📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach
More than 1,200 hardware prototypes successfully funded
As of: 2026-01-20PIB / Official Citation ↗Verified Eligibility Criteria
Any individual Indian innovator or early-stage team with an innovative science/technology hardware concept.
Required Documents Checklist
Verify readiness before applying for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups). Check off your papers or print this list before visiting your local CSC / Cyber Cafe.
Mandatory Documents(3)
Check off as readyKeep self-attested photocopies and clear digital scans (100 KB – 200 KB, PDF/JPG format) ready to avoid portal upload timeouts.
Worried About Application Rejection for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)?
Over 30% of applications on official portals get delayed or rejected due to minor certificate authority mismatches or unseeded bank accounts. Our civic research desk compiles a verified 1-page Scheme Blueprint tailored to your state and profile.
- ✓Valid issuing authority rules (Tehsildar/SDM)
- ✓Aadhaar-DBT bank seeding verification
- ✓Direct official portal guide (no middlemen)
- ✓Email delivery in 1–2 hrs during desk hours
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Application Effort & Process Friction
Readiness assessment derived from official prerequisites, mandatory documentation, and submission channels.
Effort scores reflect portal accessibility, mandatory document burden, and physical verification requirements.
How to Apply
- 1
Apply online to designated PRAYAS Centres (PCPs) located at premier engineering institutions.
- 2
Present proof-of-concept idea before the PRAYAS Monitoring Committee.
- 3
Grant released in 3 tranches based on technical prototype validation milestones.
✅Before You Begin — Pre-Application Checklist
⚠️Common Rejection Reasons — Avoid These
Software-only mobile applications without hardware innovation, or proposals lacking technical novelty.
Official Government Application Portal
You will be redirected to the secure official portal: dst.gov.in
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Get Scheme Blueprint (₹49)→Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)
Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.
Is equity taken in the innovator’s company under PRAYAS?
No, PRAYAS is a 100% non-dilutive grant-in-aid to encourage hardware experimentation.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Who is eligible to apply for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)?
Eligible applicants must satisfy official government criteria for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups). Age: min 18 max 65 years. Conditions: Any individual Indian innovator or early-stage team with an innovative science/technology hardware concept..
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗What are the key benefits provided under NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)?
Under official guidelines for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups), beneficiaries are entitled to: Provides an equity-free grant of up to ₹10,00,000 for up to 18 months, along with co-working space, digital fabrication lab access, and technical mentorship to develop tangible hardware prototypes.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗How do I apply for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)? What is the official process?
To apply for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups), applicants should follow the official procedure: 1. Apply online to designated PRAYAS Centres (PCPs) located at premier engineering institutions. 2. Present proof-of-concept idea before the PRAYAS Monitoring Committee. 3. Grant released in 3 tranches based on technical prototype validation milestones.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Can I track my NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) application status?
Application status for NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) can typically be tracked through the official portal at dst.gov.in using your Aadhaar number, application reference number, or registered mobile number. Alternatively, contact the scheme helpline or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
What should I do if my NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) payment is delayed or rejected?
First, verify your Aadhaar-bank account seeding status on the NPCI mapper (npci.org.in). If seeding is confirmed and payment is still pending, register a complaint on the Central Public Grievance Redressal System at pgportal.gov.in. You may also file an RTI application at rtionline.gov.in to obtain official rejection reasons within 30 days.
Is there an income tax implication for receiving NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) benefits?
Agricultural income and certain welfare subsidies may be exempt from income tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax treatment varies by scheme type and beneficiary income level. Consult a certified tax practitioner or visit incometax.gov.in for scheme-specific tax guidance.
Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings
Software-only mobile applications without hardware innovation, or proposals lacking technical novelty.
Editorial Verification & Change Log
| Date | Field | Description / Update | Source Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-18 | scheme_type | cs | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-10-06 | short_description | Prototype grant of up to ₹10 Lakh for individual innovators to convert technology ideas into proof-of-concept hardware available across districts in All India. | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-09-26 | initial_verification | Baseline verification of NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) guidelines, benefits, and portal integration. | Official Source ↗ |
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Application Window & Deadlines
Periodic call for proposals published on partner incubator portals
🛟Grievance & RTI Channels
Scheme Intelligence
How is this calculated? ↗Verified 23d ago from .gov.in source
Requires documentation or office visit
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📅Scheme Milestone Timeline
Prototype grant of up to ₹10 Lakh for individual innovators to convert technolog...
Official Source ↗Baseline verification of NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspi...
Official Source ↗Schemes You Can Stack With This
Complementary programs with non-conflicting eligibility that you can claim concurrently:
Official Helpline & Nodal Offices
PRAYAS Monitoring Cell, DST
Technology Bhavan, New Delhi 110016
Helpline: 011-26590210
Jurisdiction: Central (All India)Notice a Discrepancy?
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Verification Metadata
Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-09-26 against official government documentation.
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