• An individual innovator without having a startup or founder of a startup can apply for Prayas grant.
• In case of an applicant being an individual innovator without having a startup applying for PRAYAS:
  -The applicant has to be an Indian Citizen with a government approved proof of nationality such as a valid passport, voter’s id etc.
  -The applicant should be minimum of 18 years of age, as on the date of application.
  -If the applicant works in a team with other innovators there has to be an agreement among the team about the lead innovator who would apply, and the funds will be transferred to the lead innovator’s account (after selection). IP generated would vest with the innovator or with the team as per the agreement and it would be further taken for commercialization.
• In case of an applicant being a co-founders of a Startup applying for PRAYAS:
  -The applicant has to be an Indian citizen with a government approved proof of nationality such as a valid passport, voter’s id etc.
  -The applicant should be minimum of 18 years of age, as on the date of application.
  -The startup should be incorporated in India with a minimum 51% of its equity held by Indian citizens. -The startup should not be more than 7 years of existence.
  -The startup wants to develop the prototype for a new product, for which they have not received support from any other funding agency.
  The startup should not have annual turnover exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs for any of the financial years since its inception.
  -IP generated would vest with the start up.
• PRAYAS grant is Proof-of-concept grant for converting idea and innovations into a prototype. Proposals for the products having crossed the prototype level are not eligible for support under NIDHI-PRAYAS.
• The ideas and innovations should be based on technology and science.
• The product prototype has to be a physical product.
• Applicants can be individual innovators or early stage startups.
• Prototype must be capable of being completed within 18 months.
• Innovators should have technical skills or background.
• Idea or Innovations should have a roadmap towards commercialization.
• The priority technology areas are manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, clean-tech, energy, water and Internet of Things (IoT). Other technology areas may also be considered on strength or merit of the idea.
• Preference may be given to the innovators -having bootstrapped or have co-investment commitments.
  -having clear roadmap for commercialization or startup creation
  -Women innovators
  -Young innovators

• Outsourcing Charges for R & D/Design Engg./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)
  e. Patent filing Cost – (PCT- Ceiling 10% of approved project cost)
• Contingency - (Ceiling 10% of approved project cost)

It will not be used:

• To pay the grantee or their relatives.
• To repay pre-existing loans or commitments of the innovator.
• To pay usage charges to the Incubator from the PRAYAS grant. Grantee can use other
  funds to pay any such charges, if any.
• To pay rent of own accommodation, creation of infrastructure facility like shed etc.
• As a stop gap arrangement to support any other professional pursuits.