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The Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM) scheme is a flagship initiative. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) launched it. DSIR operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology. PRISM offers financial, technical, and strategic support to innovators. The goal is to convert novel ideas into successful, commercial ventures. It helps Indian citizens, including students, become 'technopreneurs'. The scheme supports the creation of prototypes and models. It also helps institutions develop technology solutions for MSME clusters. This direct approach avoids the need for a lengthy build-up. It focuses entirely on innovation and execution.
The Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs scheme focuses on tangible outcomes.
Help Indian citizens and students transform creative ideas into functional models
Facilitate the journey from a basic concept to a market-ready product or process
Promote innovation for societal benefit across various sectors
Provide grant-in-aid to institutions for developing technological solutions for MSMEs
Support activities like patenting, testing, and technology transfer for market entry
Strengthen the link between R&D, industry, and individual innovators
The following are the main highlights of the scheme, from prototype funding to mentoring, designed to help your innovation grow faster.
It offers direct financial grants, not loans, for project development
Support is provided across multiple stages of innovation and enterprise creation
Innovators can secure substantial support, up to ₹20 Lakhs in Phase I
You get guidance from the TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs). TePP is the Technopreneur Promotion Programme
The scheme actively supports patenting and design registration costs
Priority is given to Green Technology, Clean Energy, Affordable Healthcare, and Waste to Wealth.
The financial support does not require you to give up equity in your future venture
It provides a mechanism for direct funding from a government department
Different components of PRISM cater to individuals, start-ups, and MSMEs at various stages of innovation, such as:
| Component | Description | Project cost / Support limit |
|---|---|---|
Phase I – Category I |
Proof of Concept / Prototype / Model for any Indian citizen, including students. |
Up to ₹ 5 Lakhs project cost; support up to ₹ 2 Lakhs or 90% of the cost. |
Phase I – Category II |
Fabrication of working model, process-know-how, testing/trial, patenting/tech-transfer. |
Project cost above ₹ 5 Lakhs & up to ~₹ 35 Lakhs; support up to ₹ 20 Lakhs or 90% of cost. |
This is the initial stage for an innovator. You receive funds to check the technical feasibility of your idea. The support is for converting a concept into a demonstrable model. This is critical for initial validation. Project activities include basic R&D, design engineering, and procuring raw materials. The maximum project cost you can propose is ₹5 Lakhs.
This is the advanced stage for an innovator. You need this after a proof of concept is successful. The focus shifts to preparing the product for the market. Funds cover the fabrication of a working model and process know-how. Support also includes costs for testing, trial runs, patent filing, and technology transfer. The maximum project cost you can propose is ₹35 Lakhs.
Your eligibility depends on the specific Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM) category you are applying for.
You must be an Indian citizen
Student innovators are explicitly encouraged to apply
You must possess an innovative idea or invention
The aim must be to demonstrate your idea as a basic stage model/prototype
You must be an Indian citizen with innovative ideas
The project should involve fabrication of a working model, process know-how, or technology transfer
Certain activities are strictly not eligible for funding:
Projects involving pure software development without a hardware component
Proposals focused purely on academic research
The grant cannot cover items like self-salary, rent for your own accommodation, or creating infrastructure facilities (like a shed)
Here are the documents you will need while applying for the PRISM scheme.
| Category | Key Documents Required |
|---|---|
Category I |
Signed application form, proof of residence (Aadhaar), background of innovator, description of idea/novelty, estimated budget & timeline. |
Category II |
All of the above plus: prototype/working model details, testing/trial plan, patent filing details if any, business plan or commercialisation strategy. |
If you want to apply for the Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs scheme, you need to follow a few steps. The process involves interacting with the designated centres for guidance and submission.
Preparation: Develop your detailed project proposal using the official format. Include a complete technical work plan and financial breakdown.
Contact TOCIC: Locate the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC). Innovators must consult TOCIC coordinators for initial advice.
Proposal Submission: Submit your completed application to the respective TOCIC. Submissions directly to DSIR are often routed back to a relevant TOCIC.
Initial Screening: The TOCIC coordinator screens the proposal for completeness.
Expert Evaluation: Domain Knowledge Experts associated with the TOCIC evaluate the technical merit.
PASC Review: The evaluated proposal is sent to the PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC) for final recommendation.
Grant Approval & Release: DSIR issues the final sanction. You must sign the 'Terms & Conditions' document. The first instalment is released based on the approved milestones.
You should explore other schemes for maximum financial benefit. These schemes also promote innovation and entrepreneurship. They focus on various aspects, from skill development to quality certification.
| Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
PM Vishwakarma Scheme |
Supports traditional artisans and craftspeople by offering skill training, toolkit incentives, and concessional credit to upgrade technology and market access. |
Samriddhi Scheme |
Aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem among marginalised communities by providing market linkages, capacity building, and technology upgrades. |
Incubation Scheme (MSME Innovative) |
Promotes innovation by nurturing ideas into commercial ventures through approved host institutes and technology business incubators. |
Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS) for SC/ST |
Provides financial assistance for technology upgradation and modernisation of MSMEs owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs. |
MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme |
Encourages MSMEs to adopt eco-friendly, zero-defect, zero-effect manufacturing processes through certification and incentives. |
National Handicrafts Development Programme (Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA) |
Focuses on improving infrastructure, design, and technology in the handicrafts sector to enhance innovation and productivity. |
Scheme for Plantation Development |
Promotes sustainable cultivation and production innovation in plantation crops, emphasising quality improvement and technology adoption. |
If you are building something new, the Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM) scheme offers you a direct route from idea to prototype and possibly an enterprise. However, qualifying is work. You can explore alternatives and financing products on Bajaj Markets. You get access to a list of lenders offering business loan products at different rates and terms. Explore and compare on the site to find an option that complements or works as an alternative to the scheme funding for your innovation.
It is a grant-based scheme under DSIR to support innovation by individuals, startups and MSMEs - converting ideas into prototypes/models/processes.
Any Indian citizen with an innovative idea, as well as registered societies/organisations, students too can apply under Category I.
The maximum grant-in-aid for an individual innovator in Phase-I, Category-II is ₹20 Lakhs (or 90% of the project cost). For the subsequent Phase-II (Enterprise Incubation), the maximum grant is ₹50 Lakhs (limited to 50% of the project cost).
Yes, individual innovators, including students, can apply in Category I (proof of concept stage) of the Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs scheme.
MSMEs (or organisations promoting innovation for MSME clusters) can apply for solutions addressing MSME needs, get funding for prototypes/testing, and eventually scale for enterprise incubation.
No, pure academic/fundamental research without immediate commercial application is excluded under the scheme.
Project Review Committees (PRCs) monitor the progress of approved projects, review milestones and recommend the release of further funds.
No, creating infrastructure (like own sheds/building) is not eligible. The funds are meant for prototype/model/process development, not large infrastructure.
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