NIDHI PRAYAS
A programme by IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center
A DST NIDHI prototype-funding programme for turning a physical-product idea into a tested prototype; its last published deadline has passed.
At a glance
| Best for | Innovators with a physical-product idea ready to become a working prototype |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Prototype |
| Duration | 12 months, with one possible 6-month extension |
| Format | In person |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
About NIDHI PRAYAS
A Department of Science & Technology NIDHI programme that funds converting an idea into a working prototype of a physical product. IIITD-IC's page lists an application deadline of 20 August 2025, which has now passed, so treat the programme as currently between intakes rather than open.
What you get
- A prototype grant, decided by the local PRAYAS Centre Monitoring Committee
- Facilities of the host institute, including the fab lab and Design & Innovation Lab
- Business facilitation, mentorship and infrastructural support
Who can apply
- Young and aspiring innovators with a physical-product idea at proof-of-concept stage — pure software, e-commerce, service or app-based projects are not supported (software as part of a hardware product, such as an IoT device, can still qualify)
- Applicants who have already received a NIDHI PRAYAS grant, or a NIDHI EIR grant for the same idea, cannot apply again
How selection works: The local PRAYAS Centre Monitoring Committee selects applicants and sets the funding amount. Selected applicants must pre-incubate or incubate with the PRAYAS centre. Projects run for 12 months, with one possible 6-month extension.
How to apply: Check the NIDHI PRAYAS page for the next open window and eligibility document before applying.
Where to apply
Other IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center programmes
- Physical IncubationIIITD-IC's on-campus incubation track for technology and deep-tech startups, open for applications all year round.
- Virtual IncubationA remote version of IIITD-IC's incubation support for tech and deep-tech startups, opening for applications once a year.
- PRECUBE (Pre-Incubation Program)A pre-incubation track that helps early-stage innovators refine a business plan and validate an idea before incubating.
- Alumni Fellowship ProgramA fellowship exclusively for IIIT Delhi graduates who want to start their own company, combining financial support with incubation facilities.
- Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) ProgramA programme for developing an idea into a proof of concept with mentorship and infrastructure support; applications are currently closed.
- Seed InvestmentIIITD-IC's own seed-funding programme for startups looking to scale, decided case by case by its investment committee.