Tool · Programme directory

NIDHI, DST's Umbrella for Student & Early-Stage Grants (PRAYAS, Seed Support, EIR)

Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India · NIDHI, DST (nidhi.dst.gov.in) Free Intermediate India

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.
Open on nidhi.dst.gov.in ↗

It answers 3 questions

  1. What government schemes and grants can an early Indian startup actually get?
  2. What startup grants and competitions can a student in India apply to?
  3. Can I get a grant or funding before I graduate, without a registered company?

Read with it

  1. This is the single official directory of central and state government schemes for Indian startups, the primary source, not a... Startup India (startupindia.gov.in) Tool · Directory / ongoing Startup India, Government Schemes for Startups DPIIT, Government of India
  2. For anyone building in biotech, healthtech, agritech, or life sciences, BIRAC is the single most important non-dilutive funder... BIRAC (birac.nic.in) Tool · Scheme directory BIRAC, Non-Dilutive Grants for Biotech & Life-Sciences Startups (BIG, E-YUVA, SITARE) Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Dept. of Biotechnology
  3. SISFS is the most accessible non-dilutive cheque for early Indian startups, and this is where you actually apply. It's... Seed Fund Portal (seedfund.startupindia.gov.in) Tool · Application portal Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Official Portal DPIIT, Government of India
  4. Most government grants require an incorporated entity, and Rize makes getting one fast and low-friction, Pvt Ltd, LLP, or OPC... Razorpay (razorpay.com/rize) Tool · Platform + resources Razorpay Rize, Incorporation & Early-Stage Founder Resources Razorpay Rize
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