NIDHI PRAYAS

PRAYAS backs individual innovators taking a new idea to prototype stage. Bhau says at least ten young innovators are selected in a year, after review by a panel of experts, and admitted as PRAYASEES. Its sector focus for this call is IoT and AI using IoT, cyber security, EV and smart mobility, healthcare technologies, grassroots innovation and renewable energy.

What you get

• A prototyping grant for the selected innovator
• Access to a prototyping lab, mentorship, technology guidance and peer networking

Who can apply

• Individual innovators who are Indian citizens, at least eighteen on the date of application, with government-issued proof of nationality
• Preference may go to innovators who have bootstrapped or hold a co-investment commitment, who have a clear road to commercialization, and to women and young innovators
• A team applies through one lead applicant, who receives the support on the team's behalf
• Not eligible: pure software development projects, pure academic research, and students on long-term research such as doctoral projects
• You need a no-objection certificate from your employer, or from your institute if you are studying or working there, and again if the prototype builds on institutional IP
• The grant can be used only once, and not if you have taken similar support from another government body for the same idea

How selection works: a panel of experts reviews applications against the scheme's criteria.

How to apply: apply through the national PRAYAS innovators portal linked from the programme page, and attach the relevant no-objection certificate. Selected innovators must also join Bhau's pre-incubation or incubation programme for the whole period, after clearing its own selection.