PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs)

Key facts

Benefit	₹2 lakh one-time subsidy
Who	Students, innovators
How paid	Based on project milestones
Implemented by	Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Official portal	dsir.gov.in
Application window	Open all year for eligible applicants.

Benefits

Beneficiaries can receive a one-time subsidy of up to ₹200,000 for developing prototypes, covering 90% of the project cost, whichever is lower.

Who can apply

For: student, innovator
not income tax payer
no government employee in family
poor household

Eligible applicants include Indian citizens, particularly student innovators, who are not income tax payers and do not have government employees in their family. Projects must not relate to pure software development or academic research.

Who is not eligible

Income tax payers
Government employees in family
Projects related to pure software development
Long-term research projects

How to apply

Applications can be submitted online or offline to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC).

Submit your project proposal in the prescribed format to the nearest TOCIC.
TOCIC coordinators will screen the proposals for completeness.
Domain Knowledge Experts will evaluate the proposals.
Evaluated proposals are sent to DSIR for further action and recommendations.
Once approved, sign the 'Terms & Conditions' to receive grants.
Funds are released based on project milestones and progress assessments.
TOCIC will monitor the project and report status to DSIR every three months.

Apply on the official website ↗

Documents required

Signed Copy of Application
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)
No Objection Certificate from the Head of their institutions

Common problems and how to fix them

Problem	What to do
Application rejected	Ensure that the proposal is complete and meets the eligibility criteria before submission.
Payment not received	Check if project milestones have been met and if the project is being monitored by TOCIC.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the PRISM scheme?

Any Indian citizen, especially student innovators, can apply, provided they are not income tax payers and have no government employees in their family.

What types of projects are excluded from the scheme?

Projects focused solely on software development or pure academic research are not eligible for support under this scheme.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a signed application, proof of residence, a brief description of their innovation, prior work documentation, and a copy of their Aadhaar card, among others.

How is the financial support structured?

The scheme offers a one-time subsidy of up to ₹200,000, covering 90% of the approved project cost, aimed at prototype development.

What is the application process timeline?

The timeline can vary, but applicants should expect initial screening and evaluation to take some time before receiving grant approval.

Can a group of students apply together?

Yes, a group can apply, but only one individual will receive the financial support, while others may receive a letter of appreciation upon project completion.

Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.