28-8-2020

As a startup or an innovator, developing a product or prototype will help you demonstrate and validate your idea with the target user.

Building a prototype or product often requires significant investment in certain sectors. Some of the startups and entreprenuers with just an idea may even seek funding from investors to build the prototype. But it is often difficult and in most cases, it is unlikely to happen.

Here we have a unique initiative that helps aspiring entrepreneurs and startups to deal with their funding needs for building a prototype. Besides funding, these startups will get mentorship from high profile industry experts and infrastructure support.

National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is an umbrella programme conceived and developed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, for nurturing ideas and innovations (knowledge-based and technology-driven) into successful start-ups.

The NIDHI-PRAYAS programme would provide a grant of up to Rs 10 Lakhs to an aspiring innovator or a startup to build their ideas into a prototype.

Add-on Benefits!

The selected candidates (NIDHI-PRAYASEE) can avail the following benefits:

  • A grant of up to Rs 10 Lakhs to build the prototype
  • Access to infrastructure and mentorship
  • Incubation benefits will be extended to the selected candidates

The priority areas for supporting innovations under NIDHI PRAYAS program are manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, clean-tech, energy, water and Internet of Things (IOT) and other technology areas.

Are you eligible?

  • The PRAYAS applicant should be a citizen of India in the age group of a minimum of 18 years of age, as on date of application. An Indian citizen is defined as one who is in possession of a government-approved proof of nationality such as a valid passport, voter’s id etc.
  • The applicant has to be a single person. When a team or a group of students wants to pursue the project, then there has to be an agreement among the group about the lead applicant though financial support can be given only to the single applicant
  • Preference may be given to those innovators
              01) Who have bootstrapped or have got co-investment commitment.
              02) Who have clear road map for commercialization or start up creation.
              03) Women innovators
              04) Young innovators
  • Student applicants pursuing long-term research projects like doctoral research projects or similar projects will not be supported; however, student entrepreneurs will be eligible if they have the right to commercially exploit the technology
  • Professors or Academicians engaged in teaching with any academic or R&D institute shall not be supported
  • The NIDHI-PRAYASEE should be registered for the incubation program for the entire duration of NIDHI-PRAYAS support


How to Apply

To apply and for more information: Clickhere

Submission deadline: 15 September 2020



Amrita Technology Business Incubator is one of the approved NIDHI-PRAYAS centres by National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Govt of India.

Amrita TBI is a non-profit technology business incubator supported by DST, Govt. of India and Amrita University. We fund, mentor and nurture ideas, startups and entrepreneurs. In 2017, Amrita TBI received the National Award for being the Best Startup Incubator in India . Amrita TBI was listed among the Top-5 most prolific incubators for 2014-15 in the country by The Economic Times.

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