TIDES IIT Roorkee – NIDHI PRAYAS Program
Offered By - Government Of India
About the Program
What is the program:
The NIDHI PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups) Program is a government-backed initiative under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), implemented through incubators like TIDES IIT Roorkee. It is designed to provide early-stage prototype funding to innovators so they can convert their idea or proof-of-concept into a working prototype.
Who is it for:
This program is meant for very early-stage innovators, including individual founders, students, and startups who are still at the idea or PoC stage. It is especially relevant for hardware and deeptech innovators who need capital to build their first prototype.
What do you get:
Selected applicants receive non-dilutive grant funding up to ₹10 lakhs, along with access to labs, prototyping infrastructure, mentorship, co-working space, and incubation support at TIDES IIT Roorkee.
Why it matters:
This is one of the few programs in India focused purely on prototype funding, which is the hardest stage for hardware startups. It helps founders bridge the “idea → working prototype” gap, which is often where most innovations fail due to lack of capital and infrastructure.
Offerings –
- Grant funding up to ₹10 Lakhs (non-dilutive)
- Access to labs & prototyping infrastructure
- Mentorship & technical guidance
- Co-working space at TIDES
- Incubation support
- Assistance in business development, legal & IP support
Who Can Apply / Eligibility
- Indian citizen (for individual applicants)
- Individuals / innovators / early-stage startups can apply
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Must be working on innovative technology-based idea
- Must be at idea / PoC stage (not beyond prototype)
- Only hardware / deeptech / product-based ideas preferred
- One lead applicant required (in case of team)
Selection Process
- Application submission through the official platform
- Initial screening based on eligibility and concept strength
- Evaluation based on innovation, scalability, and impact
- Shortlisting of selected applicants
- Final selection by the organizing body
The exact selection process may vary depending on program guidelines.
How to Apply
- Visit the official application page of the program provided below
- Review eligibility criteria and submission requirements
- Prepare necessary documents and project details
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Await further communication from the organizers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Indian citizen (for individual applicants)
- Individuals / innovators / early-stage startups can apply
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Must be working on innovative technology-based idea
- Must be at idea / PoC stage (not beyond prototype)
- Only hardware / deeptech / product-based ideas preferred
- One lead applicant required (in case of team)