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

DST initiative providing grant-in-aid support to young innovators and early-stage startups for converting technology-based ideas into prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Because PRAYAS funding flows through independently operated PRAYAS Centres, each with its own periodic call for applications, prospective applicants should expect the exact evaluation process and turnaround time to vary by host centre even though the ₹10-20 lakh funding ceiling and milestone-tranche structure are standardized nationally by DST. Several centres also run PRAYAS Shalas offering shared fabrication equipment, giving physical-product innovators lab access in addition to the cash grant.