Nidhi Prayaas | Kerala Startup Mission

About

DST-NIDHI's PRomoting and Accelerating Young and ASpiring technology entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) is a pre-incubation initiative which supports young innovators to turn their ideas into Proof of Concept.

The program aims to provide a platform to young innovators to generate solutions for relevant local and social problem. PRAYAS will also promote vibrant innovation ecosystem, by establishing a network between innovators, academia, mentors, and incubators by catalyzing the process of commercialization for innovators.

It is implemented by Program Management Unit (PMU) at recognized PRAYAS centres. Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is one of the PRAYAS centres.

Applications Open

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) invites applications for prototype level projects under the NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This grant will primarily be utilized by aspiring innovators to convert their ideas into prototype. The period of prototyping support can be up to 18 months.

Apply Now

Benefits

Funding

Rs.10 lakh (Max) as grant for converting his/ her innovative idea into prototype within 18 months.

Co-working

Shared/Co-working spaces for developing idea into Prototype

Prototyping

Access to infrastructure and prototype building facility

Acceleration

Development of idea from early to commercial stage and mentorship from experienced industry experts

Who Can Apply?

An Indian individual innovator with minimum 18 years of age, without a startup or founder of a startup can apply for Prayas grant.
The ideas and innovations should be physical product based on technology and science.
Innovators should have technical skills or background and a roadmap towards commercialization.
Prototype must be capable of being completed within 18 months.

Detailed eligibility and conditions

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF FUNDS BY THE PRAYASEE

Outsourcing Charges for R&D / Design Engineering / Consultancy / Testing / Expert cost.
Raw material / Consumables / Spares.
Fabrication / Synthesis charges of working model or process.
Business Travel and Event Participation Fees (Ceiling 10% of approved project cost).
Patent filing Cost – (PCT- Celling 10% of approved project cost).
Contingency – (Ceiling 10% of approved project cost).

IT WILL NOT BE USED

To pay the grantee / relatives.
To pay usage charges to the TBI.
To repay loans / commitments made earlier.
To pay rent of own accommodation, creation of infrastructure facility like shed etc. should not form the component of support / funds.

Application Process

STEP 1 : Call for proposals

STEP 2 : Submission of proposals

STEP 3 : Project Management Committee meeting to scrutinize the application

STEP 4 : Shortlisting of applications

STEP 5 : Approval on the funding announced

Timeline

Application Live: 27 December 2021

Last Date to submit: 10 January 2022

Shortlist Announcement: 25 Jan 2022

NIDHI PRAYS PITCH WEEK: Feb Second Week