NIDHI-Prayas (via IIT Mandi Catalyst)
Offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst
Overview
NIDHI-Prayas is a component of the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI), an umbrella program sponsored by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under India's Department of Science and Technology (DST), designed to support startups from idea stage through to commercialization. IIT Mandi Catalyst is an approved PRAYAS Centre authorized to host and fund selected innovators, giving them access to Prayashala, a dedicated fabrication lab with electronics, metalwork and mechanical equipment, plus technical mentorship and business guidance for up to 18 months.
Eligibility
- Indian citizenship, evidenced by a valid passport or voter ID
- Minimum age of 18 years on the application date
- Must be physically incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst
- Focus on science and technology-based hardware innovation
Funding Purpose
The grant of up to 10 lakhs funds prototype development specifically, converting ideas into a working physical prototype, and supports experimentation, design iteration, and proof-of-concept building for hardware startups.
Application Process
IIT Mandi Catalyst accepts applications on a rolling basis, but applicants must already be physically incubated at Catalyst before applying.
How to Apply
- 1Click "Apply Now" above and submit your application directly on the official page.
- 2The offering organisation screens applications against its own eligibility criteria.
- 3Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a pitch or interview round.
- 4The final decision rests solely with the offering organisation.
- 5There is no guarantee of funding at any stage.
Before You Apply
- ZeedFund is an independent tracker, not the offering organisation or a funding body.
- Verify current eligibility, funding amount, and deadline on the official page before applying. Details can change after we last verified them.
- Once you apply, all follow-up (screening updates, interview or pitch invites, and the final decision) comes directly from the facilitator, incubator, or investor, never from ZeedFund. Check their application portal or email yourself for status updates; we won't have visibility into it.