PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs) Category-2 is an active scheme from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), which works under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It gives Indian citizens financial support of up to ₹20,00,000 to build a working model, finish testing and trials, file a patent or complete technology transfer for their innovation.
The Department keeps accepting fresh proposals under PRISM on a regular basis, so the scheme is still open for innovators in 2026. Applications go through the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC) or can be sent directly to DSIR. This category is made for people who want to turn their technical know-how into a working product and take it towards commercial use.
PRISM Category-2 supports working models, testing and patenting
PRISM runs in two phases. This article is about Phase-I Category-2, which focuses on fabrication of working model, process know-how, testing and trial, patenting and technology transfer. If you already have a promising idea and now need money to build a working model, test it, secure the patent and get it ready for the market, this category is for you.
People who get approval receive the grant in parts, based on project milestones. The money is given as a cash benefit, and the whole process is managed by DSIR with the help of its TOCIC network across the country.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-2: Fabrication of Working Model/Process Know-how/Testing & Trial/Patenting/Technology Transfer |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications, Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Intellectual property rights and patents, Licenses, trademarks and copyright, Technology upgradation, Research & Development |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Scientific and Industrial Research |
| Tags | Innovation, Patent, Invention, Prototype, Technology |
Benefits
This scheme gives strong financial backing to help you move your project forward. You can get up to ₹20,00,000 or 90% of your total approved project cost, whichever is lower. Your total project cost should stay between ₹5,00,000 and ₹35,00,000.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Funding | Lower of ₹20,00,000 or 90% of project cost |
| Project Cost Range | ₹5,00,000 to ₹35,00,000 |
| Manpower Limit | Up to 20% of approved cost |
| Travel Limit | Up to 5% of approved cost |
Money can be used for research, design and engineering, laboratory rentals, essential equipment, raw materials, fabrication, testing and patent filing costs. For example, if Ramesh, an innovator, needs to lease a special lab for his medical device trial, or if Sunita needs to buy raw materials to build a prototype, these expenses are covered.
Note that you cannot use this money to pay your own salary or to cover rental costs for facilities you already own.
Eligibility
To get support, you should be an Indian citizen with a unique, viable invention. Your proposed project must have a budget between ₹5,00,000 and ₹35,00,000, and a duration no longer than 24 months.
Some basic points to keep in mind:
- You should focus on fabrication, process development, testing or patenting as the main work of your project.
- Projects limited purely to software development, or basic non-commercial scientific research, are not eligible.
- If you are a student, you must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your institution.
- If you are working in an organization, you must submit an NOC from your employer.
Projects in useful areas like Green Technology, Clean Energy, Affordable Healthcare and Waste-to-Wealth are encouraged. The scheme will not support projects that only involve software development, patenting done separately from a bigger prototype project, or basic research with no immediate commercial value.
Application Process
Applying for this scheme involves a few clear steps. Follow them in order so that your proposal is complete and gets a fair review.
STEP 1 - Visit your nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centre (TOCIC) and get guidance on how to structure your proposal. This helps you know exactly what details to include before you fill the form.
STEP 2 - Fill the application form with your project title, personal details, PAN, Aadhaar and a detailed project plan. Attach all the required supporting documents along with it.
STEP 3 - Hand over your proposal to the TOCIC or send it directly to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The department reviews it for completeness, gets it evaluated by domain experts, and then refers it to the PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC) for final approval.
Once approved, you sign the terms and conditions and receive your grant in phases, linked to your project milestones.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before you start your application:
- Proof of residence, such as Aadhaar or Ration Card.
- Copy of Aadhaar Card.
- Documentary evidence of your earlier innovation work, like videos, photos or press clippings.
- NOC from your current institution or employer.
- Commitment letter from your institution, if you are a student.
- Latest Income Tax Returns.
- Detailed annexure for equipment costs and a clear work plan with milestones.
- Contact details for two referees.
References
For the official process, you can check the PRISM scheme page on the DSIR website. You can also download the official scheme guidelines for Category-2 to read the full terms before applying.
FAQ's
If my project is fully based on basic scientific research with no immediate commercial use, can I still apply?
No, basic research projects without any commercial use do not qualify for support under this scheme.
What is the biggest amount of funding I can receive?
You can receive up to ₹20,00,000 or 90% of your approved project cost, whichever is lower.
Does the scheme cover travel and manpower costs?
Yes, travel costs are allowed up to 5% of the approved project budget, and manpower costs for technical assistants are covered up to 20%.
How should I submit my application if I have already got mentoring from an outside agency?
Even if you were mentored elsewhere, you must submit your proposal through the nearest TOCIC and include the evaluation report from the assisting agency.
Are software projects eligible?
No, proposals that focus only on software development are not eligible.
What if I am a student innovator?
You must provide an NOC from the head of your institution along with a formal letter stating that your project will be carried to its completion.
Is the patenting process itself funded?
Patenting expenses are covered only when they are part of a larger project that involves prototype development or process creation.
Which sectors are preferred?
Innovations in Green Technology, Clean Energy, Affordable Healthcare, Water Management and Smart Materials are given top priority.