DST NIDHI-PRAYAS
A programme by MUTBI, Manipal (Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator)
A proof-of-concept grant for innovators aged 18 and over turning an idea into a physical prototype.
At a glance
| Best for | Individual innovators and early-stage startup founders building a physical product prototype |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Prototype |
| Duration | Prototype must be completable within 18 months |
| Cost | Free, no equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | NSTEDB, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India |
About DST NIDHI-PRAYAS
Prototype funding to turn an idea into a proof of concept. MUTBI was recognised as a NIDHI-PRAYAS centre in 2021.
What you get
- Grant support to build a prototype of a product with commercial potential
- Any IP generated stays with you or your startup
Who can apply
- Individual innovators without a company, or founders of early-stage startups
- Minimum 18 years old on the date of application
- The idea must be based on technology and science, and the prototype must be a physical product
- Products that have already passed prototype stage are not eligible
- You must own the project knowhow or IP, or hold the right to use it
- You need technical skills or background and a roadmap to commercialisation
- Priority areas are manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, clean tech, energy, water and IoT; other technology areas may be considered on merit
How selection works: applications go through due diligence and screening on innovation, potential for commercialisation and venture creation, team capability and commitment. Screening takes 6 to 8 weeks from the day applications close. Only shortlisted applicants are told, and invited to a final presentation to the committee. No word within that window means you were not selected. MUTBI gives no feedback on applications it did not select, and the committee's decision is final.
How to apply: when a call is open, download the application and supporting-document templates from the programme page and upload the completed set. Between calls, register your interest on the same page.
Where to apply
Other MUTBI programmes
- IncubationAn initial 18 months of dedicated space, mentoring and support for teams with a prototype and traction, extendable by another 18 months.
- Pre-incubationSix to twelve months of co-working space and mentoring for teams still forming the company and building the first version.
- DST NIDHI-EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence)A twelve-month fellowship for science and engineering graduates who want to work full time on a technology business idea.
- DST NIDHI Seed Support Programme (NIDHI-SSP)Seed funding for startups already with the incubator, covering proof of concept through market entry and commercialisation.
- MUTBI seed supportMUTBI's own seed support for incubated startups, given as a loan or against equity for product development, commercialisation or scale-up.
- MeitY GENESIS — Entrepreneur in ResidenceAn entrepreneur-in-residence grant for student founders and young DPIIT-registered startups from Tier II and Tier III cities working in deep tech and electronics.
- MeitY GENESIS — Matching Investment FundA one-for-one equity investment matching outside money a market-ready startup has already raised.
- CADRE (Creating And Developing youR Enterprise)A MUTBI enterprise-development programme launched in 2022, which takes expressions of interest between calls.