Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The Department of Science and Technology is launching a national initiative to expand innovation support infrastructure through PRAYAS Centres and Advance PRAYAS Centres.
The programme is designed to:
- Support early-stage innovation and deep-tech startups
- Enable prototype development and testing
- Strengthen incubator-led innovation ecosystems
- Promote commercialization of technology-based solutions
- Bridge the gap between idea stage and market-ready products
It focuses on advancing innovations from TRL-3 (proof of concept) to TRL-6 (prototype demonstration in relevant environment).
Key Focus Areas
Deep-Tech Innovation and Startups
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Engineering and hardware-based solutions
- Advanced manufacturing and materials
- Biotechnology and life sciences innovations
Prototype Development
- Rapid prototyping support
- Product design and validation
- Engineering testing and iteration
- Proof-of-concept development
Entrepreneurship and Startup Incubation
- Startup mentoring and guidance
- Business model development
- Investor readiness support
- Market validation and scaling strategies
Technology Commercialization
- Industry linkage development
- Product-to-market transition
- Intellectual property support
- Early-stage commercialization pathways
Innovation Infrastructure
- Maker spaces and fabrication labs
- Shared research and testing facilities
- Innovation hubs within incubators
- Equipment and prototyping tools
Objectives of the Programme
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem
- Enable structured incubation support through institutions
- Promote deep-tech entrepreneurship
- Support scalable technology development
- Increase survival and success rate of startups
- Encourage commercialization of research outcomes
Types of Centres Supported
PRAYAS Centres
- Focus: Early-stage innovation and prototyping
- Support: Up to ₹20 lakhs per innovator
- Target: Idea-stage and proof-of-concept innovations
- Goal: Convert ideas into working prototypes
Advance PRAYAS Centres
- Focus: Deep-tech and scalable innovation
- Support: Up to ₹40 lakhs per innovator
- Target: Higher maturity technologies and scalable solutions
- Goal: Develop market-ready and industry-deployable prototypes
Expected Output
Each centre is expected to:
- Support approximately 10 innovators per year
- Provide structured mentorship and incubation
- Enable prototype development and validation
- Facilitate commercialization pathways
- Strengthen regional innovation ecosystems
Funding and Support Structure
- Prototype funding per innovator: ₹20–40 lakhs
- Infrastructure support: Establishment or upgrade of facilities
- Operational support: Administrative and consumable expenses
- Optional support: Maker Bhavan integration (where applicable)
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit incubators
- Section-8 registered companies
- Registered societies
Eligibility requirements:
- Minimum 3 years of operational experience for PRAYAS Centres
- Minimum 5 years of operational experience for Advance PRAYAS Centres
Additional eligibility conditions:
- Strong track record in entrepreneurship support
- Experience in innovation and commercialization
- Proven incubation and mentoring capabilities
Preference Criteria (Advance PRAYAS Centres)
Priority will be given to incubators with:
- Prior experience under PRAYAS 1.0 programme
- Successful deep-tech prototyping outcomes
- Strong mentorship and startup support track record
- Demonstrated commercialization success
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Application by incubators
- Eligible incubators submit proposal to DST
- Selection based on experience and capacity
Step 2: Centre establishment
- Setup of PRAYAS or Advance PRAYAS Centre
- Infrastructure and facility development
Step 3: Innovator selection
- Annual selection of approximately 10 innovators
- Evaluation based on innovation potential
Step 4: Funding and incubation
- Disbursement of prototyping grants
- Mentorship and technical support provided
Step 5: Prototype development and scaling
- TRL advancement from 3 to 6
- Preparation for commercialization or funding
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak incubator track record or limited experience
- Lack of structured mentorship capacity
- Poor infrastructure or facility readiness
- Inadequate commercialization strategy
- Missing compliance with eligibility criteria
- Overestimating innovation support capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main objective of the programme
- To strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by supporting incubators to
- Develop prototypes
- Support deep-tech innovation
- Enable commercialization
- Advance technologies from TRL-3 to TRL-6
- To strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by supporting incubators to
- Who is implementing the programme
- Department of Science and Technology
- What funding is provided
- PRAYAS Centres: up to ₹20 lakhs per innovator
- Advance PRAYAS Centres: up to ₹40 lakhs per innovator
- How many innovators are supported per year
- Around 10 innovators per centre annually
- Who can apply
- Eligible incubators including
- Section-8 companies
- Registered societies
- Not-for-profit incubator organizations
- Eligible incubators including
- What is the minimum experience required
- PRAYAS Centres: 3 years
- Advance PRAYAS Centres: 5 years
- What is the focus of Advance PRAYAS Centres
- Deep-tech innovation
- Scalable solutions
- Strong commercialization potential
Conclusion
The DST PRAYAS Centres and Advance PRAYAS Centres initiative is a major step toward strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem. By supporting incubators with funding, infrastructure, and mentorship capabilities, the programme enables early-stage and deep-tech startups to develop prototypes, advance technology readiness, and move toward successful commercialization.
For more information, visit NIDHI PRAYAS.