Full formGovernment & Exams
NIDHIstands forNational Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations
Full Form of NIDHI
What is NIDHI?
NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) is a flagship program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, launched to nurture and transform startups and innovations into successful enterprises. It operates through a network of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and other innovation hubs across the country, providing funding, mentorship, and infrastructure support to early-stage ventures. The program is instrumental in implementing the Startup India mission by bridging the gap between idea generation and commercial viability. NIDHI encompasses several sub-schemes, including seed support for startups (NIDHI-Seed Support), proof-of-concept grants (NIDHI-PRAYAS), and entrepreneurial training (NIDHI-EIR). It is actively used in university campuses, research labs, and incubators to accelerate the translation of research into market-ready products. For competitive exams like UPSC or state PCS, NIDHI is a key example of government-led innovation ecosystem development. Its comprehensive approach has made it a cornerstone of India's drive towards self-reliance and technology-driven economic growth.
NIDHI का फुल फॉर्म
राष्ट्रीय नवाचार विकास और उपयोग पहल
Example
Under the NIDHI program, the DST provided seed funding of ₹50 lakh to the startup developing affordable water purification systems.
NIDHI — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of NIDHI?
The full form of NIDHI is National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations, a flagship program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
What are the key components of the NIDHI program?
NIDHI includes several sub-schemes such as NIDHI-Seed Support (seed funding to startups), NIDHI-PRAYAS (proof-of-concept grants), NIDHI-EIR (entrepreneur-in-residence), and NIDHI-Industry Connect (industry partnerships).
How does NIDHI help startups in India?
NIDHI provides early-stage funding, mentorship, incubation space, and access to research facilities through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), helping startups validate and commercialize their innovations.