Written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology highlighted achievement in India’s innovation landscape through the NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations).The Department of Science & Technology (DST) launched the NIDHI program in 2016. NIDHI also involves collaboration with other key entities to encourage startups.
National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI)
- The NIDHI is a groundbreaking initiative designed to drive innovation, support startups, and create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.
- NIDHI comprises various components that provide a comprehensive framework for promoting and accelerating innovation-driven enterprises across the nation.
Components of NIDHI Program
NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)
- Focuses on converting innovative ideas into tangible prototypes.
- Offers mentoring and financial support at the Proof-of-Concept level.
NIDHI Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR) Program
- Provides fellowships to students pursuing entrepreneurship.
- Aims to nurture and encourage young entrepreneurs.
NIDHI Seed Support Program
- Offers early-stage seed funding to startups.
- Enables startups to embark on their innovation journey.
NIDHI Accelerator Program
- Speeds up the investment readiness of startups.
- Equips startups with the resources needed for growth and scaling.
Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and Centres of Excellence (CoE)
- Establishes state-of-the-art infrastructure for incubating startups.
- Fosters innovation in technology sectors.
NIDHI-Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (iTBI) program
- Strengthens the innovation and startup incubation ecosystem in Tier II and Tier III cities.
- The iTBI program has helped increase entrepreneurial inclusiveness in terms of geographies, gender and persons with special abilities.