Coir Vikas Yojana- Export Market Promotion Scheme 2026

The PRISM scheme helps individual innovators turn their novel ideas into working models or prototypes. It focuses Read More... on areas like green technology and clean energy to support inclusive development. Read less

Details

Are you an innovator with a brilliant idea that needs a tangible form? The PRISM scheme, specifically Category 1, is designed to give you that crucial push. Launched by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, this scheme aims to nurture groundbreaking concepts and help them blossom into demonstrable models or prototypes.

What Is This Scheme?

PRISM stands for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs. Category 1 focuses on supporting you to create a 'Proof of Concept' or build working 'Prototypes/Models' for your innovative ideas. It's all about transforming your concepts into something real and testable, especially for individuals and startups.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is open to any Indian citizen, including students. If you have a unique idea or invention and want to develop a basic model or prototype to prove its concept, you're the one this scheme is for. It's particularly encouraging for young student innovators, but the doors are open to anyone with a drive to innovate.

Why This Scheme Is Important

PRISM plays a vital role in fostering inclusive development, a key objective. By backing individuals and institutions in creating advanced technology solutions, it helps MSMEs and the wider economy. The scheme prioritizes innovative ideas in crucial sectors like green technology, clean energy, waste management, and affordable healthcare, aiming to address societal challenges with technological solutions.

Objective

The PRISM scheme helps individual innovators turn their novel ideas into working models or prototypes. It focuses on areas like green technology and clean energy to support inclusive development.

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 students, can apply to get support for turning their novel ideas into demonstrable models or prototypes.
Your project proposal should ideally fall into one of these focus areas: Green Technology, Clean Energy, Industrially useful Smart Materials, Waste to Wealth solutions, Affordable Healthcare, Water and Sewage Management, or any other technology-driven and knowledge-intensive field.

Note 1: If a group of students is working on a project, they need to agree on a single lead applicant. While financial support goes to one person, the department can issue appreciation letters to all team members upon successful project completion.

Note 2: The scheme primarily aims to support 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 welcome to apply for this category.

How To Apply

Download and sign the application form from the official DSIR website.
Gather all the required documents as listed.
Submit the completed application form along with all supporting documents.
For student applicants, a 'No Objection Certificate' from your institution's head is mandatory, along with a commitment that the project will be seen through to completion.

Official Application Link: Please refer to the 'Documents Required' section for the link to the application form.

Documents Required

A signed copy of the application form. You can download it from: PRISM Application Form
Proof of your residence (e.g., a Residence Certificate issued by SDM/DM, ration card, or similar document).
A clear description of your innovation, highlighting its unique aspects.
Evidence of prior work related to your innovation (e.g., videos, photos, 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.
Your PAN number and a copy of your latest Income Tax Return, if you are an Income Tax payer.
For Students: A 'No Objection Certificate' from your Head of Institution on the institution's letterhead. This should also include a commitment from the institution regarding the project's completion. You can find a template for this at: No Objection Certificate Template

Official Sources

For more details and to download forms, please visit the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) website.

FAQ’s

What kind of projects does PRISM support for proof of concept?

PRISM supports projects aimed at creating demonstrable models or prototypes to prove the viability of an innovative idea. These projects should focus on developing a tangible outcome rather than just theoretical research.

Can I use PRISM funds to hire staff for my project?

No, PRISM funds are strictly for project development work. They cannot be used for expenses like self-salaries or hiring staff for routine project execution.

What's the main difference between PRISM funding and an award?

PRISM's financial support is for the actual work and development needed for your project. An award, on the other hand, is usually a recognition of a past achievement or contribution.

How often is my project progress checked?

Your project status is reported every three months. External experts also review the project progress at least once every nine months to ensure it's on track.

What is the maximum amount of money I can get from PRISM?

You can get up to ₹5,00,000 for your project costs. However, the actual support will be a maximum of ₹2,00,000 or 90% of your approved project cost, whichever is less.

Can someone who isn't a student apply for PRISM support?

Absolutely! While the scheme encourages student innovators, any Indian citizen with an innovative idea or invention can apply to develop a basic model or prototype.

What documentation is needed to prove I've worked on my idea before?

You can provide documentary proof like videos, photos, or press coverage that highlights your prior work and the innovative element of your idea.

Who reviews and recommends PRISM grants?

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

How do I prove my address for the application?

You can submit a Residence Certificate issued by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or District Magistrate (DM). A copy of your ration card or any other valid document confirming your residence is also acceptable.

What is the purpose of the 'No Objection Certificate' for student applicants?

The certificate ensures that your institution supports your project and commits to helping you complete it. It's a required document for students applying to the scheme.

Can PRISM funds be used for building infrastructure like a workshop?

No, PRISM funds are specifically for prototype development and proof-of-concept work. They cannot be used for creating infrastructure facilities like sheds or workshops.

How does PRISM help in inclusive development?

By supporting individual innovators and their ideas, PRISM contributes to inclusive development, which was a key focus area of the XIIth Five Year Plan (2012-2017).

What role do experts play in monitoring projects?

External experts are part of Project Review Committees (PRCs). They assess the progress of your project and make recommendations regarding milestones and future funding releases.

What happens after my project is successfully completed?

Once your project is successfully completed, the Competent Authority in DSIR will accept the project completion report, based on the recommendation from the Project Review Committee (PRC).

How are the funds released for my project?

The initial fund release is based on the project's approved milestones. Subsequent releases depend on the project's progress, which is regularly assessed.

What are the contact details for PRISM inquiries in Delhi?

You can contact Scientist 'G' at [email protected] or Scientist 'E' at [email protected] for any questions related to the PRISM scheme.

If multiple students are involved, how is the financial support handled?

PRISM provides financial support to only one lead applicant. However, upon successful completion of the project, a letter of appreciation can be issued to all the students who were part of the team.

Who evaluates the project proposals submitted to PRISM?

The project proposals are evaluated by Domain Knowledge Experts who are associated with the Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) network.

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

TISCs coordinators are responsible for screening the project proposals to ensure they are complete. They then forward these proposals to the Domain Knowledge Experts for further evaluation.

Can you give examples of 'knowledge-intensive areas' supported by PRISM?

Examples of knowledge-intensive areas could include emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, advanced materials science, and specialized software development.