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This scheme by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research empowers individual innovators, including students and MSMEs, Read More... to turn their novel ideas into working models or prototypes, focusing on areas like green technology and clean energy. Read less

Details

Got a brilliant idea that needs a physical form? The PRISM scheme is here to help you turn that spark of innovation into a tangible reality. This initiative by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) is designed to support individual innovators, startups, and MSMEs in developing proof of concept, prototypes, and models.

What Is This Scheme?

PRISM, standing for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs, has a specific category focused on creating proof of concept, prototypes, or models. Its main goal is to help individuals transform their innovative ideas into demonstrable forms. This aligns with the national agenda of inclusive development, a key focus during the XIIth Five Year Plan (2012-2017).

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is open to all Indian citizens, whether you are a student with a groundbreaking idea, an independent inventor, or an MSME looking to test a new technological solution. It's particularly geared towards encouraging student innovators and individuals with unique inventions who need support to build a basic model or prototype that proves their concept.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The PRISM scheme plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. By providing financial assistance for prototype development, it bridges the gap between an idea and its practical application. This support is vital for technologies that can contribute to crucial sectors like green technology, clean energy, affordable healthcare, and waste management, ultimately driving inclusive growth and technological advancement.

Objective

This scheme by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research empowers individual innovators, including students and MSMEs, to turn their novel ideas into working models or prototypes, focusing on areas like green technology and clean energy.

Benefits

Delegation, Consultancy & Information Sourcing
Participation in International seminars and conferences and organizing capacity-building programmes in export-related areas
Participation in international fairs/product promotion programmes, catalogue shows and organizing exclusive international fairs and buyer-seller meets for coir
Publicity abroad
External Market Development Assistance
Coir Industry Awards
Financial assistance includes assistance for participation in International Exhibitions/Trade Fairs/Buyer seller Meets held in foreign countries:

100% of the space rent subject to a maximum of ₹1.00 lakh or actual rent paid in the case of foreign countries, whichever is lower per exporter/enterprise.
100% of the economy class airfare subject to a maximum of ₹1.50 lakh/ and ₹1 Lakh in India or actual fare paid, whichever is lower to one representative of the exporter.
Freight charges- Actual subject to a maximum of ₹25,000/- in foreign countries and ₹20,000/- in India- per exporter/enterprise.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

Any Indian citizen, including student innovators, can apply to develop their novel ideas into demonstrable models or prototypes.
Proposals are strongly encouraged in focus sectors such as Green Technology, Clean Energy, Industrially utilizable smart materials, Waste to Wealth, Affordable Healthcare, Water and Sewage Management, and other knowledge-intensive areas.

Note 1: If a project involves a group of students, they must agree on a lead applicant. While financial support is provided to a single applicant, the department can issue a letter of appreciation to other team members upon successful project completion.

Note 2: The scheme particularly aims to encourage student innovators. However, any Indian citizen with an innovative idea or invention who wishes to demonstrate their concept through a basic model, prototype, or process is eligible to apply.

How To Apply

Obtain the application form, which can be downloaded from the official DSIR website.
Fill out the application form completely and ensure it is signed.
Submit the signed application form along with all the required documents to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Contact Address:

Scientist 'G' and Head / 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.

Official Link for Application: You can download the application form from this link.

Documents Required

A signed copy of the Application Form.
Proof of Residence.
A clear description of your innovation, highlighting its unique aspects.
Evidence of prior work, such as videos, photos, or press coverage.
A detailed plan of the work you intend to undertake.
Profile of potential users for your innovation.
A copy of your Aadhaar Card.
A Residence Certificate issued by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or District Magistrate (DM). Alternatively, a copy of a ration card or any other valid document confirming your residence.
Your PAN number and a copy of your latest Income Tax Returns (if you are an Income Tax payer).
For Students: A 'No Objection Certificate' from the Head of your institution, printed on the institution's letterhead. This certificate should also confirm the institution's commitment to support the project's completion. You can download a format for this certificate from this link.

FAQ’s

How does the PRISM scheme support the development of my innovative idea into a prototype?

PRISM provides financial support to help you turn your novel ideas into demonstrable models or prototypes. The maximum support is ₹2,00,000 or 90% of the project cost, whichever is lower, with a total project cost limit of ₹5,00,000.

Can I use the PRISM funds for my living expenses or to build a workshop?

No, the financial support from PRISM is strictly for prototype development and proof of concept work. It cannot be used for self-salary, rent of your own accommodation, or creating infrastructure like sheds.

What kind of documentation is needed to show proof of my prior work on the innovation?

You can provide documentary proof of your prior work in various forms, such as videos, photographs, or even press coverage that highlights your efforts related to the innovation.

Is there a specific format for the Residence Certificate required for the application?

Yes, the Residence Certificate should be issued by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or District Magistrate (DM). Alternatively, a copy of your ration card or any other document that serves as proof of residence is acceptable.

What is the role of the Project Review Committee (PRC) in this scheme?

The Project Review Committee (PRC), made up of external experts, monitors the progress of approved projects. They make recommendations on project milestones and advise on fund releases based on the project's advancement.

How is the financial support released under the PRISM scheme?

The first installment of financial support is released based on initial project milestones. Subsequent releases are contingent upon the progress of the project, as assessed by the Project Review Committee (PRC).

Does the PRISM scheme encourage innovation beyond just students?

Absolutely. While it particularly encourages student innovators, PRISM is open to any Indian citizen who has an innovative idea or invention and wants to demonstrate it as a basic model or prototype.

What are the contact details for inquiries regarding the PRISM scheme in Delhi?

For inquiries, you can reach out to Scientist 'G' at [email protected] or Scientist 'E' at [email protected]. Both are located at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Technology Bhawan, New Delhi.

If my project involves multiple students, how is the financial support handled?

PRISM provides financial aid to only one lead applicant. However, if the project is successfully completed, the department will issue a letter of appreciation to all the students who were part of the team.

What are some examples of 'knowledge-intensive areas' that PRISM supports?

Knowledge-intensive areas can include fields like information technology, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, and other sectors that require deep technical expertise and innovation.

How often is the progress of PRISM-supported projects monitored?

Project monitoring occurs every three months. External experts are involved in reviewing the project's progress, with at least one review happening every nine months.

What is the difference between PRISM's financial support and a research award?

PRISM's financial support is specifically for the work required to develop a prototype or proof of concept. It is not an award or a prize meant to recognize an achievement.

Why is a 'No Objection Certificate' from my institution necessary if I'm a student applicant?

This certificate, provided on the institution's letterhead, assures the department of your institution's support and commitment to ensure that you, the student, can complete the project successfully.

Which committee is responsible for deciding which PRISM project proposals get approved?

The PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC) is responsible for reviewing and recommending project proposals for approval under the scheme.

Who actually evaluates the project proposals submitted to PRISM?

Project proposals are evaluated by Domain Knowledge Experts who are associated with the Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) or similar nodal centers.

What is the role of TOCIC coordinators in the PRISM application process?

TOCIC coordinators are the first point of contact. They screen the project proposals to ensure they are complete before forwarding them to the Domain Knowledge Experts for a detailed evaluation.

What is the maximum amount of financial support an innovator can receive under Category-1 of PRISM?

Under Category-1, the maximum support is ₹2,00,000, or 90% of the approved project cost, whichever amount is lower. The total project cost can be up to ₹5,00,000.

How does PRISM contribute to the broader goal of inclusive development?

By supporting individual innovators and MSMEs in developing new technologies and prototypes, PRISM helps foster inclusive development, a key objective that was a focus during the XIIth Five Year Plan.