NIDHI-PRAYAS (Grant in Aid for early-stage innovators, DST scheme run through TIMed)
A programme by TIMed
A proof-of-concept grant for building a physical prototype, for early-stage innovators and co-founders.
At a glance
| Best for | Idea-stage innovators and early-stage co-founders building a physical product prototype. |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Prototype |
| Duration | Prototype to be completed within 18 months |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
About NIDHI-PRAYAS (Grant in Aid for early-stage innovators, DST scheme run through TIMed)
NIDHI-PRAYAS is a Department of Science and Technology programme, run through SCTIMST-TIMed, for converting an idea into a physical prototype. It is aimed at idea-stage entrepreneurs whose product needs prototyping.
Who can apply
Individual innovators without a startup, and co-founders of an early-stage start-up. Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 18 or above. Start-up applicants must be incorporated in India, with majority Indian equity and a turnover ceiling set out in the scheme rules. Software-only, e-commerce, service and app-based projects are not covered.
What you get
Grant support to build a prototype, with physical infrastructure, technical guidance and business mentorship. Grant support is for selected applicants. Intellectual property generated vests with the innovator or the start-up.
How selection works: a proposal is assessed on innovativeness, roadmap, market potential, social relevance, team composition and the potential to form a company.
How to apply: contact the NIDHI-PRAYAS project coordinator through the programme page.
Where to apply
Other TIMed programmes
- TIMed Technology Business Incubator (physical incubation, medical devices and biomaterials)Physical incubation with mentoring and lab access for medical device and biomaterials start-ups, at the SCTIMST campus.
- NIDHI SSS seed support for TIMed incubateesEarly-stage seed financing for start-ups incubated at TIMed, under DST's NIDHI Seed Support System.
- KTU Minor in Entrepreneurship (student programme)TIMed is one of five incubators empanelled by KTU to run its Minor in Entrepreneurship.