🛠️ Tool
India
Free
Intermediate
NIDHI, DST's Umbrella for Student & Early-Stage Grants (PRAYAS, Seed Support, EIR)
From NIDHI, DST (nidhi.dst.gov.in) by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India Programme directory
Why we picked it
NIDHI is the DST umbrella that funds ideas and prototypes through campus incubators, the most realistic path for student and pre-company founders to get non-dilutive money in India. PRAYAS in particular is designed for the awkward 'I have a prototype but no company yet' stage.
- NIDHI-PRAYAS gives innovators up to INR 10 lakh for prototype development, often accessible to students and individuals via incubators.
- NIDHI Seed Support Programme (NIDHI-SSP) provides seed grants to startups through DST-recognised incubators.
- NIDHI-EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence) offers a fellowship/stipend so you can pursue an idea before quitting or incorporating.
- Everything routes through a DST-affiliated incubator, so your first move is finding and getting into one near you.