SBB480

Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)

6.9/10

PRISM supports startups through two phases of funding for innovation projects. Phase-I offers financial assistance for proof of concept and prototype development, while Phase-II focuses on enterprise incubation, providing substantial funding based on project costs and eligibility criteria.

Central

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry of Science & Technology

Nodal department: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research

Scheme for: Startups

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Target beneficiaries: Startups

Tags: startups, Science and Technology

Details

Brief

The scheme provides grants, technical guidance, and mentoring to individual innovators by incubating their ideas towards the creation of new enterprises in phases. It also provides grant-in-aid support to technology solution providers developing technology solutions aimed at helping MSME clusters. The scheme runs in two phases.

Eligibility

  • The scheme runs in two phases.
  • For PRISM I, any Indian citizen including student innovators can apply.
  • For PRISM II, PRISM innovators or innovators who have successfully demonstrated proof of concept with the support of government institution/agency, PRISM-R&D proposals and public-funded – R&D institutes/autonomous institutions/laboratories/academic institutes, etc. are eligible.

Benefits

  • - PRISM Phase-I Category-I: For proof of concept/prototype/models, with a project cost up to INR 5 Lakhs, a maximum of INR 2 Lakhs or 90% of the total project cost (whichever is less) is provided
  • PRISM Phase-I, Category-II: For fabrication of a working model/process know-how/testing & trial/patenting/technology transfer, etc. with a project costing between INR 5 Lakhs to INR 35 Lakhs, a maximum of INR 20 Lakhs or 90% of the total project cost (whichever is less) is given
  • Prism-Phase-II: Enterprise incubation, with a project costing between INR 35 Lakhs and INR 100 Lakhs, up to INR 50 Lakh limited to 50% of the total project cost is provided. For PRISM-R&D Proposals, up to INR 50 Lakhs limited to 50% of the total project cost is given
  • PRISM Phase-I Category-I: For proof of concept/prototype/models, with a project cost up to INR 5 Lakhs, a maximum of INR 2 Lakhs or 90% of the total project cost (whichever is less) is provided.
  • PRISM Phase-I, Category-II: For fabrication of a working model/process know-how/testing & trial/patenting/technology transfer, etc. with a project costing between INR 5 Lakhs to INR 35 Lakhs, a maximum of INR 20 Lakhs or 90% of the total project cost (whichever is less) is given.
  • Prism-Phase-II: Enterprise incubation, with a project costing between INR 35 Lakhs and INR 100 Lakhs, up to INR 50 Lakh limited to 50% of the total project cost is provided. For PRISM-R&D Proposals, up to INR 50 Lakhs limited to 50% of the total project cost is given.

Eligibility

  • The scheme runs in two phases.
  • For PRISM I, any Indian citizen including student innovators can apply.
  • For PRISM II, PRISM innovators or innovators who have successfully demonstrated proof of concept with the support of government institution/agency, PRISM-R&D proposals and public-funded – R&D institutes/autonomous institutions/laboratories/academic institutes, etc. are eligible.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

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.

6.9
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 3.0/10 Good
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 5.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.0/10 Good
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility5.0
  • Awareness7.0
  • Simplicity7.0
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides significant support for startups, particularly in innovation and technology development.

Key challenges addressed

  • Funding for startup innovation
  • Technical guidance for entrepreneurs

Most beneficial for

  • Startups
  • Innovators

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process
  • Limited awareness among rural entrepreneurs

Practical insights for citizens

Practical for tech-savvy startups but challenging for rural innovators

Rural challenges

  • Limited internet access
  • Lack of awareness about the scheme

Digital challenges

  • High dependency on digital platforms

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complex eligibility criteria

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness in rural areas

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Verification complexity
Moderate
Office dependency
Low
DBT dependency
No
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Occupation reach Startups and entrepreneurs

Benefit analysis

Benefit frequency
One-time per phase
Benefit practicality
High for eligible startups
Financial meaningfulness
High due to significant funding potential
Long-term impact
Potentially transformative for successful startups

Plain-language guidance

This scheme helps startups by providing funding and support to develop their innovative ideas. It is aimed at Indian citizens, including students, who want to start their own businesses.

Who should apply
Startups and individual innovators in India
Who may struggle
Rural applicants with limited digital access or awareness
Best application route
Apply via the online portal

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

References

Startup India — Central government schemes for startups
https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/government-schemes.html
Application / official link
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/funding-opportunities/startups/promoting-innovations-individuals-startups-and-msmes-prism

Apply

Apply now

Opens 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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Startups, Startups through benefits related to Startups & entrepreneurship, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Eligibility for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) 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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Benefits under Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) 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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) 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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Applications for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) 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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) a central government scheme?
Yes, Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Does Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) provide business loan or startup assistance?
Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
Is collateral required under Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) 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 Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) 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.