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Business & Entrepreneurship

PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models

The scheme aims to support individual innovators which will enable them to achieve the agenda of inclusive development - one of the thrust areas of the XIIth five-year plan (2012-2017). The proposals shall preferably be considered in the following focus sectors: Green technology, Clean energy, etc.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Project cost up to ₹5,00,000 to help Innovators convert their ideas into demonstrable models/prototypes. - Maximum support under this category is ₹2,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost, whichever is lower. | NOTE 1: The financial support is not an award or a prize or a research fellowship. The financial support is provided for the work to be undertaken. | NOTE 2: Elements like self-salary, rent of own accommodation, creation of infrastructure facility like shed etc should not form the component of support/funds. The support/funds should be mainly for prototype development work/proof of concept.

Who can apply

Any Indian citizen including student innovator can avail support to develop their novel idea into demonstrable models/prototypes.; The proposals shall preferably be in the following focus sectors: Green Technology, Clean Energy, Industrially utilizable smart materials, Waste to wealth, Affordable healthcare, water & sewage management, and any other technology or knowledge-intensive area.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common 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).