DST NIDHI PRAYAS
A programme by AIC Banasthali
A prototyping grant with lab access for women-led innovators building a physical product.
At a glance
| Best for | Women-led innovators at idea stage with a physical product to prototype |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Prototype |
| Cost | Free, no equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India |
About DST NIDHI PRAYAS
The centre says it is Rajasthan's first and only NIDHI PRAYAS centre supported by the Department of Science and Technology. PRAYAS is aimed at the gap between an idea and a working prototype, so it is for people who have not yet built the thing.
What you get
- A prototyping grant to develop a proof of concept, minimum viable product or ready product.
- Access to lab facilities at Banasthali.
- Physical infrastructure, technical guidance and business mentorship.
Who can apply
- Women-led innovators at idea stage.
- With a physical product offering that needs prototyping.
- Knowledge-based and technology-driven ideas.
How to apply: through the Apply Now button on the scheme page, which also links to the full eligibility criteria. Funded cohorts are listed by cycle — 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2024-25 — so it runs in rounds rather than continuously.
Where to apply
Other AIC Banasthali programmes
- IncubationThe centre's main incubation programme for women-led startups in science, technology and deep tech.
- Banasthali Alumni Startup Incubation ProgramA four-month hybrid incubation programme for startups founded or co-founded by Banasthali Vidyapith alumni.
- MeitY TIDE 2.0 — Entrepreneur-in-Residence grant and seed fundGrant and seed funding for women innovators taking a technology idea from concept to MVP, run with MeitY.
- NIDHI Seed Support SchemeEquity-based seed support from DST for women-led startups already incubated at the centre.
- Startup India Seed Fund SchemeDPIIT seed funding for early-stage women-led innovators, delivered through the centre.
- MeitY SAMRIDH Accelerator ProgramA four-month acceleration programme with MeitY Startup Hub for DPIIT-registered, woman-founded startups that are raising.
- GDC I-NITIATEA two-week hybrid entrepreneurship immersion run with the Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre at IIT Madras.
- Stanford Seed Spark ProgramA five-month part-time online course from Stanford Graduate School of Business, offered through the centre; the listed intake has closed.
- Fellowship Grant in Battery EnergyA two-phase fellowship for community battery energy storage innovations in Rajasthan, run with the Royal Norwegian Embassy; applications closed in February 2025.
- Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP)A four-week entrepreneurship course for Banasthali Vidyapith students and research scholars, supported by DST; the listed edition closed in November 2024.
- Banasthali Innovation AwardAn annual innovation award for Banasthali Vidyapith faculty, scholars, college students and school students; the 2025 edition closed in November 2025.