NIDHI PRAYAS Program at DERBI Foundation
Under NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups) by DERBI Foundation
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Quick Answer
Grant-based prototype development support for young Indian innovators with hardware ideas, run by DERBI Foundation under DST's NIDHI PRAYAS program.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- DERBI Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 August 2025. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by DERBI Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The NIDHI-PRomoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Technology Entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) program at DERBI Foundation is designed to help young innovators convert their technology-driven ideas into physical prototypes. As part of a national initiative by the Department of Science & Technology, the program aims to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem by providing crucial support to idea-stage entrepreneurs who offer a physical product. The scheme is focused on nurturing ideas into successful startups.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
DERBI Foundation (Dayananda Sagar Entrepreneurship Research & Business Incubation Foundation) is a healthcare-focused incubator based in Bengaluru, established in 2015. Supported by DST's NIDHI Ecosystem, DBT-BIRAC, DPIIT-Startup India, MeitY, and the Government of Karnataka's…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Up to ₹10,00,000 grant for development of a physical product/hardware prototype. No equity or repayment required (not explicitly stated but typically grant-based).
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NIDHI PRAYAS program at DERBI Foundation?
It's a grant scheme under the Department of Science & Technology's NIDHI initiative, administered by DERBI Foundation, designed to help young Indian innovators turn technology-driven ideas into physical prototypes.
Who can apply?
Indian citizens aged 18 or older. Teams are allowed, but one lead applicant must be designated. Existing incubatees of a PRAYAS centre (incubator) can also apply, provided their company is less than 2 years old and has no significant revenue.
What kind of projects are supported?
Only projects involving development of a physical product/hardware. The intellectual property of the developed prototype must vest with the innovator or startup.
Who cannot apply?
Student applicants pursuing long-term research projects (e.g., doctoral research), professors or academicians engaged in teaching, projects related to software development or pure academic research, and any institute/organization (excluding a startup company) seeking to develop an IP into a prototype.
Is the program currently accepting applications?
No. As per the latest information, the application form is no longer accepting responses, indicating the scheme is closed.
What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to ₹10,00,000.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
