NIDHI PRAYAS
A programme by TBI-KIET
A Department of Science and Technology scheme for idea-stage innovators to build a first prototype, delivered here with TBI-KIET as the implementing incubator. Registration is currently closed.
At a glance
| Best for | Indian innovators aged 18 to 35 with an idea and no prototype yet |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Prototype |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Free |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | Department of Science and Technology |
About NIDHI PRAYAS
NIDHI PRAYAS is a Department of Science and Technology scheme for young innovators at the idea-to-prototype stage, and TBI-KIET delivers it as one of the recognised centres. Registration shows as closed at the moment, so this is a scheme to watch rather than apply to today.
What you get
- Grant support towards building a prototype
- Access to incubation labs, tools and testing facilities
- Structured mentoring from industry experts and academics
- Introductions to investors, corporates and ecosystem partners
- A route on to NIDHI EIR, NIDHI seed support and the Startup India Seed Fund
Who can apply
- An individual innovator or a team, aged 18 to 35
- Indian citizens only
- Students, graduates, researchers or early-stage entrepreneurs working on an idea with commercial potential
- Not open to anyone who already has a working prototype or a commercialised product, or to established companies past the prototype stage
How selection works: shortlisted candidates go through a review covering both technical and business feasibility. The grant may only be spent on prototype development, and you report progress to the incubator as you go. Intellectual property stays with the innovator or startup.
How to apply: applications go through recognised PRAYAS centres only.
Where to apply
Other TBI-KIET programmes
- Incubation at TBI-KIETResident incubation on the KIET campus in Ghaziabad, open to students, alumni, researchers and outside founders with a technology idea.
- Startup India Seed Fund SchemeDPIIT's seed scheme for young, recognised startups, listed among the routes TBI-KIET offers. Registration is currently closed.
- GENESIS Entrepreneur in ResidenceThe entrepreneur-in-residence cohort of MeitY's GENESIS scheme, run here for ICT founders and student teams. The latest cohort has closed.
- GENESIS Pilot FundingMeitY funding to run a paid pilot with a corporate, PSU or unicorn that has already issued you a work order. Registration is currently closed.
- GENESIS Matching InvestmentMeitY support that matches money you raise from an angel or venture investor, plus acceleration help. The scheme card shows closed while the site still carries an apply button.
- The Growth CampA three-day residential retreat in Mukteshwar for 30 founders and 15 investors, with live pitching, reverse pitches and one-to-one sessions. Participants sponsor themselves.