NIDHI-PRAYAS prototype grant

NIDHI-PRAYAS is a pre-incubation scheme funded by NSTEDB/DST that TBI@KEC hosts. The last call published on its page closed in October 2023 and the page says applications are closed, so watch for the next call.

What you get

• Grant support to convert an innovative idea into a prototype inside eighteen months.
• Access to the incubator's infrastructure and prototype building facility.
• Mentoring, and shared or co-working space to develop the idea.

Who can apply

• Young innovators with an idea, applying as an individual, a team or a startup — the page publishes separate undertakings for each.
• Priority goes to advanced manufacturing, agri and food tech, health and med tech, clean and green tech across air, water, energy and waste, and internet of things; other areas are considered on the merit of the idea.

How selection works: applications go through due diligence that weighs innovation, potential for commercialisation and startup creation, team capability and commitment. Screening takes six weeks from the close of the call, followed by a presentation to the project monitoring committee. Only selected applicants are emailed, and the committee's decision is final. Those selected must agree to pre-incubation or incubation with the incubator.

How to apply: download the eligibility guidelines, application form, one-page summary, presentation template and undertakings from the programme page and submit them against the published checklist.