DST NIDHI PRAYAS Program at CIE - IIIT Hyderabad
Under NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups) by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT Hyderabad
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Quick Answer
Prototyping grant of up to ₹10,00,000 for hardware/deep-tech ideas, with lab access and mentorship at CIE IIIT Hyderabad.
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 25 October 2025. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT Hyderabad. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The DST NIDHI PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups) Program is a flagship initiative providing a prototyping grant and expert guidance to help innovators bring their ideas to life.
The program focuses on helping applicants:
- Develop a working Hardware PoC/Prototype over a typical duration of 12 months.
- Access state-of-the-art facilities and labs, including 3D Printing, Cutting, Welding, and Electrical Lab machinery.
- Receive guidance from mentors and industry experts to validate the product and accelerate innovation.
The IP generated through the PRAYAS project will vest with the innovator/startup.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Provider
Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT HyderabadHyderabad · Telangana · India
The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is the technology business incubator of IIIT Hyderabad, set up in 2008 and based on the university's campus at Vindhya C4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. It was recognised as a Technology Business Incubator by the Department of…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹10L
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Provides a prototyping grant of up to ₹10,00,000, along with access to well-equipped labs, mentorship from industry experts, and full ownership of any IP generated from the project.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the DST NIDHI PRAYAS program?
Indian citizens aged 18 and above with a hardware or deep-tech product idea. Startups must be incorporated not more than 7 years ago and have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹25 lakhs in any financial year. Students and employed innovators need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institution/organisation.
Is there any restriction on prior funding for the same product?
Yes, applicants who have already received similar funding from other government programs for the same product are not eligible.
What happens to the intellectual property (IP) created during the program?
The IP generated through the PRAYAS project will vest with the innovator or startup.
Can a team apply?
Yes, teams can apply, but there must be a clear agreement designating the lead innovator who will receive the funds.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
