NIDHI-PRAYAS
Up to ₹10 L for prototype development. Routed through TBIs.
Quick facts
- Ministry / Agency
- DST / NSTEDB
- Funding
- Up to ₹10 L
- Stage
- ideation, prototype
- Sector
- Any sector
- Equity dilution
- none
- DPIIT recognition required
- No
- NRI / OCI eligibility
- Eligible if the entity is Indian-incorporated; the founder's NRI / OCI status is treated as Indian for this scheme.
Who is eligible
Idea-to-prototype stage; access via DST-funded TBI
How to apply
NIDHI PRAYAS is administered by DST / NSTEDB. Applications are submitted through the official portal — there are no application fees and you do not need to go through third-party intermediaries.
Apply on the official portalRelated schemes
Other schemes that often pair with NIDHI PRAYAS or apply to a similar profile.
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) 1.0 & 2.0
FFS doesn't fund startups directly — backs SEBI AIFs which deploy 2× SIDBI commitment into DPIIT startups. FFS 2.0 (Apr 2026): another ₹10,000 Cr with Deep Tech carve-out.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
Up to ₹20 L grant for PoC/prototype + up to ₹50 L convertible/debt for market entry. Apply to up to 3 incubators. ₹605+ Cr deployed to 3,400+ startups.
Technology Development Board
Soft loans (up to 50% project cost) or equity at concessional rates ~5-9%. Suited for hardware/IP-heavy ventures.
NIDHI-SSS — Seed Support Scheme
Up to ₹1 Cr per startup via incubator as loan, equity, or equity-linked. NRI-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for NIDHI PRAYAS?+
Idea-to-prototype stage; access via DST-funded TBI
What is the funding amount under NIDHI PRAYAS?+
Up to ₹10 L. Up to ₹10 lakh
Can NRI or OCI founders apply for NIDHI PRAYAS?+
Eligible if the entity is Indian-incorporated; the founder's NRI / OCI status is treated as Indian for this scheme.
Does NIDHI PRAYAS require DPIIT recognition?+
No — DPIIT recognition is not required for NIDHI PRAYAS.
How do I apply for NIDHI PRAYAS?+
Apply through the official portal at nstedb.com. The scheme is administered by DST / NSTEDB.
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