NIDHI – Promotion and Acceleration of Young and Aspiring Technology Entrepreneurs (PRAYAS) 2.0

Overview

PRAYAS 2.0 is a pre-incubation prototyping programme. Level-1 PRAYAS Centres support general technology prototyping; Advance PRAYAS Centres target deep-tech with higher ceilings.

Eligibility

• DPIIT-recognised startup OR individual innovator
• Startup: incorporated in India, ≤5 years, annual turnover never exceeded ₹1 crore
• Must work through an approved PC/APC

What you get

• Level 1 (PC): up to ₹20 lakh grant for prototyping; DST funds centres up to ₹2 crore/year
• Level 2 (APC): up to ₹40 lakh per innovator/startup; DST funds centres up to ₹4 crore/year
• Maker space / mentoring through the centre

How to apply

• Apply via NIDHI PRAYAS PMU portal https://nidhi-prayas.org/ or https://nidhi.dst.gov.in/
• Centre selects innovators against local calls

Stamped Energy fit

Excellent equity-free prototype capital for Stamped's bill-verification / ranking engine PoC. May be usable before incorporation as individual innovator — rare unlock. Confirm whether software-only industrial EE qualifies at the target PC/APC.

Sources & caveats

• Verify live windows, guidelines, and incubator eligibility on official sites before applying.
• Playbook summaries are high-level; scheme rules change.