DST NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0

DST NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0 is an active scheme providing non-dilutive prototype funding to innovators and startups. It focuses on supporting the development of functional prototypes, particularly in technology and deep-tech sectors. The scheme is routed through approved PRAYAS and Advance PRAYAS Centres across India, offering not just financial support but also access to makerspaces and mentoring. The Programme Management Unit for NIDHI-PRAYAS sits at SINE, IIT Bombay, which coordinates the national network of PRAYAS and Advance PRAYAS Centres that actually run local selection and mentoring. Across five funding cycles to date, the program has supported 57 PRAYAS Centres spread over 18 states and more than 1,850 individual innovators and startups, consistent with the ₹20 lakh (PRAYAS) and ₹40 lakh (Advance PRAYAS) ceilings in this scheme's funding text. Because each Centre runs its own call and evaluates applications locally, prospective applicants should identify and approach the nearest DST-recognized Centre directly rather than applying to DST or SINE centrally.