§1Who it is for

  • DPIIT-recognised start-ups (under 5 years) and individual innovators

Useful if

Hardware founders building a prototype

Do not spend time on it if

Older or high-turnover start-ups

§2Eligibility

  1. A DPIIT recognised startup or an individual innovator are eligible to apply under the program.
  2. In case of a recognised startup, it has to be incorporated in India, not more than 5 years of existence and its annual turnover for any financial year should not have exceeded ₹1 crore.

§3Benefits

  • Level 1 – PCs: Each innovator/startup supported by a Level 1 Centre PC may receive up to ₹20 Lakhs grant for prototyping. DST provides up to ₹2 crore per annum to each PC.
  • Level 2 – APCs: Provides prototyping grants of up to ₹40 lakh per innovator/ startup. DST provides up to ₹4 crore per annum to each APC.

§4Norms — pattern of assistance

  1. NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS) is a scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The scheme supports young innovators and startups in transforming innovative ideas into prototypes or proof of concept (PoC) by providing financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh. It also offers access to incubation infrastructure, mentorship, technical and financial guidance, and industry linkages through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and PRAYAS Shalas (Fab Labs).
  2. Level 1 – PCs: Each innovator/startup supported by a Level 1 Centre PC may receive up to ₹20 Lakhs grant for prototyping. DST provides up to ₹2 crore per annum to each PC.
  3. Level 2 – APCs: Provides prototyping grants of up to ₹40 lakh per innovator/ startup. DST provides up to ₹4 crore per annum to each APC.

§5Documents

Tick each one as you get it ready.

Detailed Project Proposal

§6How to apply

  1. 1

    [Online] Application For Startup Incubation Centres: Startup Incubation Centres / TBIs looking to implement the NIDHI-PRAYAS programme may apply for the same through open call-for-proposals published on the NIDHI-PRAYAS PMU Website.

  2. 2

    Application For Startups and Innovators: Interested Students and Innovators may apply for support under NIDHI – PRAYAS through NIDHI – PRAYAS Centres (at selected TBIs).

§7Pros and cons

Merits

  • Prototyping grant up to ₹20 lakh (PC) or ₹40 lakh (APC)
  • Individuals can apply

Demerits

  • Applied through PRAYAS centres
  • Start-up age and turnover limits

→Related schemes

Need help with NPAAYASIAS?

Eligibility check, DPR and application file — ask us on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp usServices

Our interestHelp is our paid service. You can also apply for the scheme yourself.

Sources

  1. myScheme — NIDHI – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS)
  2. Guidelines
  3. Scheme Details Page No.39

Checked on 18 October 2026. For information only — confirm with the department or bank. Spotted a mistake? Report it.