Overview

DST-NIDHI's PRomoting and Accelerating Young and ASpiring technology entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) is a pre-incubation initiative which supports young innovators to turn their ideas into Proof of Concept. The program aims to provide a platform to young innovators to generate solutions for relevant local and social problem. PRAYAS will also promote vibrant innovation ecosystem, by establishing a network between innovators, academia, mentors, and incubators by catalysing the process of commercialization for innovators. It is implemented by Program Management Unit (PMU) at recognised PRAYAS Centes. SIIC, IIT Kanpur is one of the PRAYAS centres.

Focus Domains

Agriculture

Healthcare

Cleantech

Water
Energy

Internet Of Things (IOT)

Technological Areas

Eligibility

  • An Indian individual innovator with minimum 18 years of age, without a startup or founder of a startup can apply for Prayas grant.
  • The ideas and innovations should be physical product based on technology and science.
  • Innovators should have technical skills or background and a roadmap towards commercialization.
  • Prototype must be capable of being completed within 18 months.

Offerings

Application Process

  • Step 1

    The call for proposals as per intervals decided by Department of Science and Technology

  • Step 2

    Submission of proposals within the period of one month from the date of call for proposals

  • Step 3

    Project Management Committee meeting to scrutinize the application

  • Step 4

    Shortlisting of applictions

  • Step 5

    Approval on the funding announced

Months Program Duration

Funding Released

Total Startups Supported

Applications Received

NIDHI PRAYAS Program

Frequently Asked Questions

List of documents required for submission after the program is selected?
  • Latest Photo (not less than 6 months)
  • Residence certificate issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)/District Magistrate (DM) or a copy of ration card or any other document)
  • For Innovator in Employment / Students with any organization / Academic
  • Institution, No Objection Certificate (NOC) is mandatorily required
  • Attach a copy of the latest Income Tax Returns filed.
  • Attach annexure regarding
  • Brief description of the idea highlighting innovative element
  • Science and working principle behind the idea
  • Final outcome/deliverable of the project
  • Who would be the beneficiary of this innovation and why?
  • Proposed costs and time frame
  • Activity details/work plan
  • AADHAR Card and PAN card copy
Will the applicant receive any stipend?

No, the applicants will not receive any stipend. The maximum funding support provided is up to Rs.10 lakhs. However, the local PRAYAS center Monitoring Committee decides the funding amount for their selected innovators.