PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models
State: Central
Ministry: Ministry Of Science And Technology
Department: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Category: Business & Entrepreneurship
Beneficiary Type: Individual

The scheme aims to support individual innovators which will enable them to achieve the agenda of inclusive development - one of the thrust areas of the XIIth five-year plan (2012-2017). The proposals shall preferably be considered in the following focus sectors: Green technology, Clean energy, etc.

Benefits:
- Project cost up to **₹5,00,000** to help Innovators convert their ideas into demonstrable models/prototypes. - Maximum support under this category is **₹2,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost**, whichever is lower.
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**NOTE 1:** The financial support is not an award or a prize or a research fellowship. The financial support is provided for the work to be undertaken.
**NOTE 2:** Elements like self-salary, rent of own accommodation, creation of infrastructure facility like shed etc should not form the component of support/funds. The support/funds should be mainly for prototype development work/proof of concept.

Eligibility:
1. Any Indian citizen including student innovator can avail support to develop their novel idea into demonstrable models/prototypes.
1. The proposals shall preferably be in the following focus sectors: Green Technology, Clean Energy, Industrially utilizable smart materials, Waste to wealth, Affordable healthcare, water &amp; sewage management, and any other technology or knowledge-intensive area.

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**NOTE 1:** When a group of students want to pursue the project, then there has to be an agreement among the group about the lead applicant. Though financial support can be given only to a single applicant by name, a letter of appreciation can be given by the department to all the students of the team, after successful completion of the project. 
**NOTE 2:** The support is primarily aimed at encouraging student innovators. However, in general, any Indian Citizen having an innovative idea or an invention and wishing to demonstrate his idea in the form of a basic stage model/prototype/process thus providing proof of his concept can apply to this category.

Application Process:
[Offline]
The eligible applicants are requested to submit their applications complete in all respects to the nearest TOCIC.
Step 1: Proposal SubmissionSubmit your project proposal in the prescribed format to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs). You can also consult with TOCIC coordinators for guidance before applying.
Step 2: Initial ScreeningUpon receipt, TOCIC coordinators will screen the proposals for completeness. They will forward the proposals to Domain Knowledge Experts for evaluation.
Step 3: Expert EvaluationDomain Knowledge Experts associated with TOCIC will evaluate the proposals.
Step 4: RecommendationComplete and evaluated proposals are sent to DSIR for further action. They will be considered by the PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC) for recommendation.
Step 5: Grant ApprovalOnce approved by the Department, the applicant needs to sign "Terms & Conditions" before the release of grants-in-aid.
Step 6: Fund ReleaseThe first release is based on project milestones and recommendations by PASC. Subsequent releases depend on project progress assessed by the Project Review Committee (PRC).
Step 7: Project MonitoringTOCIC and other network partners, including technical experts, will monitor the approved projects. TOCIC will report project status to DSIR every 3 months. PRCs of external experts will review project progress at least once every 9 months.
Step 8: Project ClosureAfter successful project closure, the project completion report will be accepted by the Competent Authority in DSIR, based on PRC recommendation.

Documents Required:
Signed Copy of Application 
Proof of Residence 
Innovation (Brief description of the idea highlighting innovative element)
Documentary Proof of Prior Work (video, photo, press coverage etc) 
Work Planned 
Profile of Potential User 
Copy of Aadhaar Card 
Residence Certificate issued by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate(SDM)/District Magistrate(DM) or a copy of a ration card or any other document regarding proof of residence 
PAN Number and a copy of the latest Income Tax Returns filed (In case the applicant is an Income Tax Payer)
Students will have to provide a `No Objection Certificate’ from the Head of their institutions, on the institutions’ letter-head along with their application and the commitment from the institutions that the project will be taken to its logical conclusion by the student/concerned faculty.