What is the NIDHI PRAYAS program at DERBI Foundation?

It's a grant scheme under the Department of Science & Technology's NIDHI initiative, administered by DERBI Foundation, designed to help young Indian innovators turn technology-driven ideas into physical prototypes.

Indian citizens aged 18 or older. Teams are allowed, but one lead applicant must be designated. Existing incubatees of a PRAYAS centre (incubator) can also apply, provided their company is less than 2 years old and has no significant revenue.

What kind of projects are supported?

Only projects involving development of a physical product/hardware. The intellectual property of the developed prototype must vest with the innovator or startup.

Student applicants pursuing long-term research projects (e.g., doctoral research), professors or academicians engaged in teaching, projects related to software development or pure academic research, and any institute/organization (excluding a startup company) seeking to develop an IP into a prototype.

Is the program currently accepting applications?

No. As per the latest information, the application form is no longer accepting responses, indicating the scheme is closed.

NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation – Up to ₹10 Lakhs

The NIDHI-PRomoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Technology Entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) program at DERBI Foundation is designed to help young innovators convert their technology-driven ideas into physical prototypes. As part of a national initiative by the Department of Science & Technology, the program aims to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem by providing crucial support to idea-stage entrepreneurs who offer a physical product. The scheme is focused on nurturing ideas into successful startups.

NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation

NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation

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