KSUM invites applications for NIDHI PRAYAS grant to hardware innovators

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has invited applications for DST-NIDHI’s PRAYAS (PRomoting and Accelerating Young and ASpiring technology entrepreneurs) as a pre-incubation initiative that supports innovators to turn their hardware/electronics solution ideas into proof of concept.

Applications can be made till January 10, 2022 at https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in/nidhiprayaas. The short list will be announced on January 25 and the PRAYAS Pitch Week will be held in the second week of February. The applicants should be Indian individual innovator (with or without a startup) with a minimum age of 18 years.

PRAYAS aims to provide a platform to young innovators to generate solutions for relevant local and social problems. The program will also promote a vibrant innovation ecosystem by establishing a network between innovators, academia, mentors and incubators by catalyzing the process of commercialization for innovators.

The program is being implemented by Program Management Unit at recognized PRAYAS centres, one of which is KSUM.  For doubts/clarifications: [email protected].

The applicants’ ideas and innovations should be physical product based on technology and science. Innovators should have technical skills or background and a roadmap towards commercialization. They should be capable of completing the prototype within one-and-a-half years.

PRAYAS will provide the selected startups a grant of up to Rs 10 lakh to convert one’s innovative idea into prototype within 18 months, shared/co-working spaces for developing idea into prototype, access to infrastructure and prototype building facility, and development of ideas from early to commercial stage and mentorship from experienced industry experts.

KSUM is the nodal agency of the Kerala government for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state.