PRISM-C1-PCPM
PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models
6.3/10The 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.
States / UT: All India
Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology
Nodal department: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Scheme for: Infra
Scheme profile
DBT (direct benefit transfer): No
Categories: Business & Entrepreneurship
Sub-categories: Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship, Intellectual property rights and patents, Exhibitions/Trade fairs/Buyer-seller meet, market development
Target beneficiaries: Individual
Tags: MSME, Prototype, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Research, Startup, Proposal
Details
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
- - 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
- 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.
Eligibility
- 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.
NOTE 1: When a group of students want to pursue the project, then there has to be an agreement among the group about the lead applicant. Though financial support can be given only to a single applicant by name, a letter of appreciation can be given by the department to all the students of the team, after successful completion of the project.
NOTE 2: The support is primarily aimed at encouraging student innovators. However, in general, any Indian Citizen having an innovative idea or an invention and wishing to demonstrate his idea in the form of a basic stage model/prototype/process thus providing proof of his concept can apply to this category.
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 useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility5.0
- Financial impact9.5
- Rural utility6.0
- Awareness7.5
- Simplicity3.0
- Inclusivity5.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The scheme supports individual innovators in developing prototypes, focusing on inclusive development.
Key challenges addressed
- Lack of financial support for individual innovators
- Need for demonstrable models/prototypes
Most beneficial for
- Individual innovators
- Student innovators
- MSMEs
Likely challenges
- Complex application process
- Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries
Practical insights for citizens
Moderate, as the scheme requires significant effort to navigate.
Rural challenges
- Limited access to information
- Transportation issues to reach application centers
Implementation bottlenecks
- Complexity in proposal evaluation
Awareness challenges
- Low awareness among rural innovators
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Offline office
- Documents burden
- Low
- Verification complexity
- Moderate
- Office dependency
- High
- DBT dependency
- Low
- CSC support
- Limited
- Estimated citizen effort
- Moderate
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Composite
- Benefit practicality
- High, if the project aligns with focus sectors.
- Financial meaningfulness
- 7
- Long-term impact
- Potentially high, if successful prototypes lead to marketable products.
Plain-language guidance
The PRISM scheme helps individual innovators turn their ideas into working models. It provides financial support for developing prototypes in various sectors.
- Who should apply
- Any Indian citizen with an innovative idea, especially students.
- Who may struggle
- Individuals unfamiliar with the application process or lacking support.
- Best application route
- Apply via the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC).
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Offline
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.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- 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).
Official links
References
- Guidelines
- https://www.dsir.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-09/guide_ph1_cat1.pdf
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Individual through benefits related to Business & Entrepreneurship, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Eligibility for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Benefits under PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models is managed by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Applications for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models a central government scheme?
- Yes, PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
- Does PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models provide business loan or startup assistance?
- PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
- Is collateral required under PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models in All India?
- Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.