PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-2: Fabrication of Working Model/Process Know-how/Testing & Trial/Patenting/Technology Transfer
Up to ₹20 lakh for prototype fabrication & tech transfer · Indian innovators
PRISM Category-2 by DSIR supports Indian citizen innovators, startups, and MSMEs with grants of up to ₹20 lakh (or 90% of project cost) to build working prototypes, conduct testing and trials, file patents, or complete technology transfer. Projects must cost between ₹5 lakh and ₹35 lakh and be completed within 24 months. Submit your application to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC) or directly to DSIR.
About This Scheme
PRISM Category-2 by DSIR supports Indian citizen innovators, startups, and MSMEs with grants of up to ₹20 lakh (or 90% of project cost) to build working prototypes, conduct testing and trials, file patents, or complete technology transfer. Projects must cost between ₹5 lakh and ₹35 lakh and be completed within 24 months. Submit your application to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC) or directly to DSIR.
Full official description
The scheme "Promoting Innovations In Individuals, Start-Ups And Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises (PRISM)" was launched by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The scheme aims to promote innovations in individuals, start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises. The scheme provides support for Individual Innovator Proposals under Phase-I, Category II, focusing on Fabrication of Working Model/Process Know-how/Testing & Trial/Patenting/Technology Transfer. Key features include comparatively more rigorous demonstrability of original idea/invention/know-how in the form of working prototype/processes and its testing and trial/patenting/technology transfer. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The applications for this scheme are accepted by submission to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs) or directly to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Benefits
- Grant of up to ₹20 lakh (maximum 90% of approved project cost)
- Covers R&D costs, lab/workshop rentals, essential equipment, raw materials, fabrication charges, manpower (up to 20% of project cost), testing/trials, travel (up to 5%), and patent filing fees
- Funds released in milestones tied to project deliverables, with reviews every 9 months
- Ongoing mentorship and technical support from TePP Outreach Cluster Innovation Centres
- Innovator's own salary and rental of self-owned facilities are not covered
💡 Why Startups Should Care
This is the step-up from PRISM Category-1 — once you have a proof of concept, Category-2 funds the harder, costlier phase: building a working model, testing it rigorously, and even patenting or transferring the technology. For an inventor moving from idea to market-ready product, this bridges a critical funding gap.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen with an innovative idea or invention
- Project cost must be more than ₹5 lakh and up to ₹35 lakh; duration must not exceed 24 months
- Proposal must involve fabrication of a working model, prototype, process know-how, testing/trials, patenting, or technology transfer
- Software-only projects and pure basic scientific research with no commercial application are not eligible
- Students need a No Objection Certificate from their institution head; employed applicants need an NOC from their employer
- Preferred focus areas: Green Technology, Clean Energy, smart materials, waste-to-wealth, affordable healthcare, water/sewage management
Exclusions
- Proposals involving only software development are not eligible
- Proposals involving only patenting (without related project work) are not eligible
How to Apply
- Submit your proposal to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC).
- Include proof of residence and details of the innovation project.
- The project must have an approved cost between ₹5 lakh and ₹35 lakh.
- TOCIC reviews and forwards eligible proposals for evaluation.
- On approval, funds are released for R&D, design, prototyping, testing, or patenting expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the user wishes to proceed with fundamental scientific investigations that have no immediate commercial value, will such a proposal be accepted for evaluation?
Proposals dedicated entirely to basic scientific research which lack immediate commercial implications are explicitly excluded and will not be accepted for consideration.
What is the highest percentage of the total approved project expenditure that the funding authority can provide as financial assistance under this category?
The maximum financial assistance provided is ₹20,00,000/- or 90% of the approved project cost, whichever of these two amounts is lower.
What types of innovation activities are primarily eligible for support under Category II, focusing on demonstrable outcomes rather than research?
Support covers the Fabrication of Working Model, Process Know-how, Testing & Trial, Patenting, or Technology Transfer, which demand rigorous demonstrability of the original idea.
When submitting a proposal that has been mentored by external agencies other than the designated TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres, what submission route must be followed?
Proposals scouted and documented by other agencies must still be routed through the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre and include an evaluation by the assisting agency.
As a student applying for innovation support, what specific documentation is required from the head of my educational institution to be eligible for consideration?
Students must provide a 'No Objection Certificate’ signed by the head of their institution, written on the institution’s official letter-head, along with the main application.
What are the minimum and maximum financial limits set for the total estimated costs of the proposed invention project to qualify for this particular phase of support?
The overall project cost must fall within the range of more than ₹5,00,000/- and up to ₹35,00,000/- to meet the stipulated financial criteria for the proposal.
Are there any limitations placed on the cost allocated specifically for hiring technical assistants or other related manpower within the project budget?
Yes, the manpower cost intended for technical assistants is capped and must not exceed 20% of the total approved cost for the innovation project.
If I am currently employed by an organization and wish to seek support for my innovative idea, what formal approval must I obtain from my employer?
Individuals working in organizations must furnish a mandatory ‘No Objection Certificate’ from their employer when applying for support under the Promoting Innovations In Individuals, Start-Ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises scheme.
If the project solely involves developing new software applications without any embedded physical component, will the proposal be considered eligible for funding?
Proposals focused exclusively on software development are not accepted for consideration under the Promoting Innovations In Individuals, Start-Ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises scheme.
Is there a spending restriction concerning the costs incurred for travel while executing the project activities and attending necessary meetings or trials?
Yes, the total travel cost must be based on actual expenses incurred but is restricted to an amount not exceeding 5% of the total approved project cost.
What is the residency and intellectual property requirement that applicants must fulfill to be considered eligible for this governmental scheme?
The applicant must definitively be an Indian Citizen and must possess either a genuine innovative idea or a demonstrable invention.
If the primary objective of the proposal is only to register a patent for an existing invention, is this activity alone sufficient to qualify for the scheme's support?
No, proposals involving only patenting are generally not accepted; however, patenting is eligible if it is combined with parallel prototype development.
Which specific project expenses, related to personnel and facility usage, are explicitly designated as ineligible to receive financial support?
Support cannot be granted for the innovator’s personal salary or for covering rental expenses related to the use of facilities already owned by the applicant.
What specific sectors or technology intensive areas should I focus my innovation on to gain a preference during the proposal evaluation process?
Proposals are preferably focused on sectors such as Green Technology, Clean Energy, Affordable healthcare, Water & sewage management, or Industrially utilizable smart materials.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Proof of residence (issued by SDM/DM, ration card, or similar)
- Detailed project proposal with cost breakdown
- Innovation description