PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models
Any Indian citizen, including students, with a novel innovation can receive up to ₹2 lakh in grant funding to build a working prototype or proof of concept in areas like green technology, clean energy, affordable healthcare, or waste management. The scheme is run by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and managed through local TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs). Submit your proposal to the nearest TOCIC office.
About This Scheme
Any Indian citizen, including students, with a novel innovation can receive up to ₹2 lakh in grant funding to build a working prototype or proof of concept in areas like green technology, clean energy, affordable healthcare, or waste management. The scheme is run by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and managed through local TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs). Submit your proposal to the nearest TOCIC office.
Full official description
The scheme "PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs)" by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to support individual innovators which will enable them to achieve the agenda of inclusive development - one of the thrust areas of XIIth five year plan (2012-2017). It would also provide support to institutions or organizations set up as Autonomous Organizations under a specific statute or as a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or Indian Trusts Act, 1882 leading to the development of state-of-the-art new technology solutions aimed at helping MSME clusters. Thrust Areas: The proposals shall preferably be considered in the following focus sectors: Green technology, Clean energy, Industrially utilizable smart materials, Waste to Wealth, Affordable Healthcare, Water and sewage Management and any other technology or knowledge-intensive area.
Contact Us
Scientist 'G' and Head
Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM)
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Technology Bhawan
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016.
Phone: 011- 26590394; E-mail: skdpande@nic.in ; pkdutta@nic.in
Scientist 'E' and Member Secretary Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM) Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Technology Bhawan New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016. Phone: 011- 26590364; E-mail: tripta.garg@nic.in
Benefits
- Up to ₹2,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost (whichever is lower)
- Overall project support up to ₹5,00,000 for prototype development and proof of concept
- Funds released in milestones based on project progress and expert review
- Letter of appreciation for all team members upon successful completion
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Open to any Indian citizen with an innovative idea, including student innovators
- Idea must be in focus areas: green technology, clean energy, smart materials, waste to wealth, affordable healthcare, water/sewage management, or other knowledge-intensive sectors
- Pure software development and pure academic research projects are not eligible
- Doctoral or long-term research students are not supported unless they hold commercial exploitation rights
- When a student group applies, one lead applicant must be designated for financial support
Exclusions
- The projects relating to pure software development and those involving pure academic research are not eligible.
- Students pursuing long-term research projects like doctoral research projects or similar projects will not be supported; however, student entrepreneurs will be eligible if they have the right to commercially exploit the technology.
How to Apply
The eligible applicants are requested to submit their applications complete in all respects to the nearest TOCIC.
Step 1: Proposal Submission
Submit your project proposal in the prescribed format to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs). You can also consult with TOCIC coordinators for guidance before applying.
Step 2: Initial Screening
Upon receipt, TOCIC coordinators will screen the proposals for completeness. They will forward the proposals to Domain Knowledge Experts for evaluation.
Step 3: Expert Evaluation
Domain Knowledge Experts associated with TOCIC will evaluate the proposals.
Step 4: Recommendation
Complete and evaluated proposals are sent to DSIR for further action. They will be considered by the PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC) for recommendation.
Step 5: Grant Approval
Once approved by the Department, the applicant needs to sign "Terms & Conditions" before the release of grants-in-aid.
Step 6: Fund Release
The first release is based on project milestones and recommendations by PASC. Subsequent releases depend on project progress assessed by the Project Review Committee (PRC).
Step 7: Project Monitoring
TOCIC and other network partners, including technical experts, will monitor the approved projects. TOCIC will report project status to DSIR every 3 months. PRCs of external experts will review project progress at least once every 9 months.
Step 8: Project Closure
After successful project closure, the project completion report will be accepted by the Competent Authority in DSIR, based on PRC recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of PRCs in the PRISM scheme?
PRCs, consisting of external experts, review project progress and make recommendations regarding project milestones and funding.
How are project milestones determined for fund release?
The first release is based on project milestones, and subsequent releases depend on project progress assessed by the Project Review Committee (PRC).
Are there specific timeframes for project monitoring?
Project monitoring occurs every three months, and external experts review project progress at least once every nine months.
Can non-student Indian citizens apply for PRISM support?
Yes, PRISM encourages any Indian citizen with innovative ideas or inventions to apply for support.
What kind of projects should applicants plan for PRISM support?
Applicants should plan projects that lead to the development of demonstrable models/prototypes, providing proof of their innovative concept.
Are there any restrictions on the type of prior work documentation?
Prior work documentation can include videos, photos, press coverage, or other forms of evidence that highlight prior work related to the innovation.
Is there a specific format for the Residence Certificate?
The Residence Certificate should be issued by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)/District Magistrate (DM) or be a copy of a ration card or any other document providing proof of residence.
Can PRISM funds be used for creating infrastructure facilities?
No, PRISM funds should not be used for creating infrastructure facilities like sheds.
What is the key distinction between an award and PRISM's financial support?
PRISM's financial support is provided for project work, while an award typically recognizes achievement.
Why is a "No Objection Certificate" required from student innovators?
It ensures the commitment of students and institutions to take the project to its logical conclusion and allows students to apply for PRISM support.
What happens after a project is successfully closed?
After a project's successful closure, the project completion report is accepted by the Competent Authority in DSIR, based on PRC recommendation.
How does PRISM monitor project progress?
TOCIC and network partners, including technical experts, monitor approved projects. Project status is reported to DSIR every three months.
What committee is responsible for recommending PRISM grants?
The PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC) considers and recommends project proposals for approval.
Who evaluates the project proposals in the PRISM scheme?
Domain Knowledge Experts associated with TOCIC evaluate the project proposals.
What is the role of TOCIC coordinators in the application process?
TOCIC coordinators screen project proposals for completeness and forward them to Domain Knowledge Experts for evaluation.
Can you provide examples of knowledge-intensive areas supported by PRISM?
Knowledge-intensive areas can include fields such as information technology, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
How does PRISM contribute to promoting innovation?
PRISM encourages innovation by supporting individuals and institutions in developing state-of-the-art technology solutions.
How does PRISM handle group projects with multiple students?
PRISM supports only a single lead applicant with financial aid, but a letter of appreciation is provided to all students in the team upon successful project completion.
What is the maximum project cost supported by PRISM?
PRISM supports project costs up to [?]5,00,000, with a maximum of [?]2,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost, whichever is lower.
What are the contact details for PRISM in New Delhi?
You can reach out to Scientist 'G' at skdpande@nic.in or Scientist 'E' at tripta.garg@nic.in for PRISM-related inquiries.
How does PRISM contribute to inclusive development?
By supporting individual innovators, PRISM helps achieve the agenda of inclusive development, which is one of the thrust areas of the XIIth five-year plan (2012-2017).
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Signed Copy of [Application ](https://www.dsir.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-09/guide_ph1_cat1.pdf)- Proof of Residence
- Innovation (Brief description of the idea highlighting innovative element)
- Documentary Proof of Prior Work (video, photo, press coverage etc)
- Work Planned
- Profile of Potential User
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Residence Certificate issued by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate(SDM)/District Magistrate(DM) or a copy of a ration card or any other document regarding proof of residence
- PAN Number and a copy of the latest Income Tax Returns filed (In case the applicant is an Income Tax Payer)
- Students will have to provide a `[No Objection Certificate](https://www.dsir.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-09/guide_ph1_cat1.pdf)’ from the Head of their institutions, on the institutions’ letter-head along with their application and the commitment from the institutions that the project will be taken to its logical conclusion by the student/concerned faculty.