NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)

NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) is a government startup scheme in New Delhi, India. DST prototyping grant for individual innovators and young startups, now NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0: up to Rs 20 lakh through a PRAYAS Centre, or up to Rs 40 lakh for deep-tech or advanced prototypes through an Advance PRAYAS Centre. Innovators apply to a centre; in 2026 incubators were invited to apply to become 2.0 centres (19 May to 30 June 2026).

What it offers

• “Innovators and startups may receive funding of up to ₹20 lakhs through PRAYAS Centres (PCs) for early-stage prototype development.” — nidhi-prayas.org
• “For more advanced requirements, Advance PRAYAS Centres (APCs) provide support of up to ₹40 lakhs for deep-tech innovations or advanced prototypes that require higher levels of validation and are closer to commercialization.” — nidhi-prayas.org
• “Beneficiaries also get access to the infrastructure facilities at the TBIs, mentoring support and guidance, technical and financial advice, industry connections etc.” — nidhi.dst.gov.in

Who can apply

• “Innovator without having a startup can apply for PRAYAS grant.” — nidhi-prayas.org
• “The entity must have been incorporated in India for not more than five (5) years as of the application date.” — nidhi-prayas.org
• “At least fifty-one percent (51%) of the equity in the startup must be held by Indian citizens.” — nidhi-prayas.org
• “The startup’s annual turnover shall not exceed ₹1Cr in any financial year since incorporation.” — nidhi-prayas.org
• “Projects related to Pure Software development, e-Commerce, Service solutions, App based solutions.” — nidhi-prayas.org
• “The innovators / startups based on the eligibility can apply to any of the PRAYAS Centre (PC) or Advance PRAYAS Centre (APC).” — nidhi-prayas.org

Stages

Pre-seed

How to apply

Apply or read the rules on the official site.

About this listing

TrustList compiled this listing from NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)'s official pages in September 2026. The quotes above are its own words. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules change, so check the official site before you rely on them.