India NIDHI PRAYAS Grant
fund prototype support for Indian student innovators and startups
- Program Type
- Grant
- Deadline
- Mar 20, 2025
- Locations
- India
- Source
- Department of Science & Technology India
- Reviewed by
JJ Ben-Joseph- Last Updated
- Oct 28, 2025
India NIDHI PRAYAS Grant
Overview
India NIDHI PRAYAS Grant is a grant designed to fund prototype support for Indian student innovators and startups. Operating in India, the program typically provides support valued at INR 1,000,000 with an application deadline of 2025-03-20. Managed by DST and its PRAYAS Centres, it concentrates on idea-to-prototype development. Successful applicants often include student founders validating hardware or deep-tech IP, who leverage the resources to accelerate impact and growth. The opportunity stands out for its makerspaces with specialized fabrication equipment, making it a compelling pathway for ambitious teams looking to differentiate themselves.
Opportunity Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program ID | india-nidhi-prayas-grant |
| Funding Type | Grant |
| Funding Amount | INR 1,000,000 |
| Application Deadline | 2025-03-20 |
| Primary Locations | India |
| Tags | prototype, startup, hardware |
| Official Source | Department of Science & Technology India |
| Application URL | https://nidhi-prayas.org/ |
Eligibility Checklist
- Requirement: Applicant must be an Indian citizen linked to a PRAYAS centre. Recommendation: Describe evidence that demonstrates compliance and readiness.
- Requirement: Innovation must require physical prototyping to reach proof-of-concept. Recommendation: Describe evidence that demonstrates compliance and readiness.
- Requirement: Team must not have raised significant external investment. Recommendation: Describe evidence that demonstrates compliance and readiness.
Application Strategy Roadmap
| Phase | Core Actions | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | Analyze sponsor priorities, gather documents, and align stakeholders. | Map how your solution supports idea-to-prototype development to show strategic fit. |
| Drafting | Build narratives, budgets, and evidence for reviewers. | Highlight how makerspaces with specialized fabrication equipment will accelerate measurable results. |
| Review | Conduct internal QA and mock evaluations. | Invite partners from India to validate your messaging. |
| Submission | Upload final materials and confirm receipt. | Prepare contingency plans for portal issues near 2025-03-20. |
| Follow-Up | Track feedback and plan post-award milestones. | Showcase early wins to deepen relationships with DST and its PRAYAS Centres. |
Program Insights
Applicants who excel in India NIDHI PRAYAS Grant provide a compelling narrative that links innovation to national or regional priorities. Explain how your project addresses unmet needs, and quantify potential benefits for customers, partners, or communities. Review panels want to see credible execution teams, so outline governance structures, technical expertise, and collaborative partners from India or abroad.
Beyond technical merit, evaluators prize sustainability and scalability. Detail the KPIs you will monitor, from adoption rates to environmental gains, and clarify how the requested INR 1,000,000 bridges the gap between concept and full deployment. If you can demonstrate pathways for replication or export, emphasize them using data from market research and pilot engagements. Close your application with a forward-looking plan that demonstrates how support from Department of Science & Technology India will catalyze long-term growth.
Insider Tips to Win India NIDHI PRAYAS Grant
- Secure a PRAYAS centre nomination. Engage with host institutions early to obtain recommendation letters and lab slots.
- Detail prototype timelines. Provide bill of materials, vendor quotes, and testing schedules for the 18-month support window.
- Integrate commercialization intent. Explain how you will convert the prototype into a market-ready product or follow-on funding.