Applications for selection of PRAYAS Centres are open from 1 Apr 2026, 12:00 am to 30 Apr 2026, 11:59 pm IST
ApplyEstablish a PRAYAS Centre (PC) or Advance PRAYAS Centre (APC) at your Incubator with DST’s Structured and Comprehensive Support Framework
Support early-stage and deep-tech innovations by enabling prototype development through funding, infrastructure, and expert mentorship.
Under NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0, PRAYAS Centres (PCs) will be divided into two categories, based on their institutional capabilities, track record, and alignment with DST priorities.
Prayas Centre (PC)
Tech-based centres. Each PC is expected to support around 10 innovators per year, with prototyping grants up to ₹20 Lakhs.
Advance Prayas Centre (APC)
Focus on Deep Tech and scalable solutions, supporting around 10 innovators per year with prototyping grants up to ₹40 Lakhs.
Maker Bhavan Facility
Each PC/APC will be set up at a host incubator with a furnished and well-equipped facility. The space requirement is a minimum of 3000 sq. ft. for Tier 1 cities, and 4000 sq. ft. for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This facility will include a unified DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan (Fab lab and Co-working space & Meeting room).
Support Structure for PCs and APCs
Different templates of support based on lab establishment and existing infrastructure
Type 1
New Centres to be established under PRAYAS 2.0 with Fab lab
- Maximum prototyping funding support up to Rs. 4.0 Cr (maximum support up to Rs. 40 lakhs per innovator)
- Maximum support up to Rs. 1.5 Cr for establishment of DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan
- Maximum Rs. 30 lakhs for consumable and administrative cost for management of NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0 program & DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan
- Max. prototyping funding support up to Rs. 2.0 Cr (maximum support up to Rs. 20 lakhs per innovator)
- Maximum support up to Rs. 1.5 Cr for establishment of DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan
- Maximum Rs. 30 lakhs for consumable and administrative cost for management of NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0 program & DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan
Type 2
New Centres to be established without Fab lab
- Maximum prototyping funding support up to Rs. 4.0 Cr (maximum support up to Rs. 40 lakhs per innovator)
- Maximum Rs. 30 Lakhs for consumable and administrative cost for management of PRAYAS program to PC where the PC has all necessary infrastructure (labs/equipment) to implement the PRAYAS program.
- Maximum prototyping funding support up to Rs. 2.0 Cr (maximum support up to Rs. 20 lakhs per innovator)
- Maximum Rs. 30 Lakhs for consumable and administrative cost for management of PRAYAS program to PC where the PC has all necessary infrastructure (labs/equipment) to implement the PRAYAS program.
Type 3
Centres already established under NIDHI PRAYAS 1.0
- Maximum prototyping funding support up to Rs. 4.0 Cr (maximum support up to Rs. 40 lakhs per innovator)
- Maximum support up to Rs. 1.0 Cr for upgradation of existing PRAYAS Shala
- Maximum Rs. 30 lakhs for consumable and administrative cost for management of PRAYAS program to PC where the PC has already successfully implemented the NIDHI PRAYAS 1.0 Program
Application Process
Application and Selection process for PC and APC
The call for proposals would be at intervals as decided by DST, wherein the period of one month would be given for submission of proposal after the date of call of proposal.
Evaluation done on two levels
Level 1
Initial Scrutiny
The initial Scrutiny and evaluation will be done with basic eligibility and initial screening parameters, as decided by the PMC.
Level 2
Presentation
The shortlisted proposals/incubators will be required to give a presentation before the PMC, as per the formats decided by the PMC/DST and performance parameters.
Application Process
Submit online application
Proposal in the prescribed proforma is available at the NIDHI PRAYAS PMU Portal as well as on nidhi.dst.gov.in. Submission actions are enabled only during the application window.
Applications submitted via portal will only be considered for further processing.
Verification by PMU
PMU reviews completed submissions and forwards valid applications to the PMC. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
Presentation to PMC
TBIs with verified applications will be called for presentation to the PRAYAS PMC.
Approval decision
Approval for PC will be given by the PMC after the deliberations done during the committee meeting. The decision of the PMC will be firm and binding.
Eligibility Criteria
Review the core qualifications and preferred institutional attributes for establishing a PRAYAS Centre.
Core Qualification
Proven track record in promotion of entrepreneurship, supporting innovations and startups and have adequate expertise and infrastructure to support advancement of innovation and its commercialization (i.e. supporting innovators for progression of their idea from TRL-3 to TRL-6).
Financial support for establishing a PC / APC would be extended to the recommended incubator, essentially, a not-for-profit registered legal entity registered as a Section-8 company/Society
Incubators applying for PRAYAS Centre should be in existence for at least three years and Advance PRAYAS Centre should be in existence for at least five years. The years of existence for each incubator will be counted from the: Date of registration as a legal entity OR Date of Sanction order as TBI by state or Department of Central Government of India whichever is earlier.
Existing inclusive-TBIs (iTBIs) may apply directly as PCs, provided they meet all other eligibility conditions.
The applicant incubator should have minimum of active 30 incubates.
Specific for APCs
Preference for APCs will be given to the PRAYAS Centres who have implemented minimum four cycles of PRAYAS 1.0, however the selection will be based on the past performance and on the recommendations of the PMC and as per the criteria laid in the eligibility.
For incubators which have never been NIDHI PRAYAS Centres, are expected to have successfully completed minimum four rounds of any Government of India funding program (e.g., MeitY, DPIIT/BIRAC, SISF) with a proven track record of performance.
Should have demonstrated excellence in deep-tech prototyping, robust mentorship capabilities, and measurable commercialization outcomes during this period.
Preferences
Existing and operational incubators affiliated with Academic S&T and R&D institutions, and/or promoted or recognized by State or Central Government.
Incubators having full-time CEO and Independent team managing the TBI/incubator operations.
Deep Tech Startup Incubators.
Incubators situated in cities, where no PRAYAS Centre is currently established.
Incubators situated in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Not Eligible
For-profit incubators are not eligible for DST NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0 support.
Existing PCs supported under NIDHI PRAYAS 1.0 will not be eligible for support under PRAYAS Centre.
A pure R&D proposal for academic pursuits and industrial consultancy will not be eligible for support.
Incubators that have received funding for, or are directly implementing, the NM-ICPS PRAYAS and EIR scheme through their Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) or incubators are not eligible to apply.
Submission Resources
Refer the resources to prepare the signed application packet, understand incubator qualification criteria, NIDHI-PRAYAS Scheme document and its terms and conditions.
List of Documents
View the supporting files, letters, and annexures required with your application.
Terms & Conditions
Read the formal terms governing PRAYAS Centre applications and support.
FAQ