Eligibility

Any Indian Citizen having innovative idea or an invention.

Scope & Support

• Project cost more than **Rs. 5.00 lakh** and up to **Rs. 35.00 lakh**.
• Category II is different from Category I in respect of comparatively more rigorous **demonstrability** of original idea/invention/know-how in the form of **working prototype/processes** and its testing and trial/patenting/technology transfer etc.
• Proposals to demonstrate **novel delivery models** to take S&T innovations to effect inclusive growth.
• Maximum support under this category is **Rs 20.00 lakh** or **90%** of the approved project cost, whichever is lower.

Mechanism

• The proposals can be submitted to the nearest **TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs)**. The innovators can meet coordinators of TOCICs and take their advice before submitting the application.
• The proposals directly received at DSIR will also be forwarded to relevant TOCIC for counselling/ local screening.
• The proposals initially will be screened for completeness at the point of receipt, by the coordinators of TOCICs.
• The proposals after initial Screening are evaluated by the **Domain Knowledge Experts** associated with the TOCIC.
• The TOCICs will send complete and evaluated proposals to **DSIR** for further action. The proposals will be considered in **PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC)** for recommendation.
• The sanction will finally be released to those that are approved by the Department. The applicant has to sign **"Terms & Conditions"** prior to the actual release of grants-in-aid.
• The first release is based on **milestones/deliverables** projected in the project proposals and as recommended by PASC. The subsequent releases are based on assessment of progress of the project by **Project Review Committee (PRC)**.
• The approved projects will be monitored by **TOCIC** / other network partners including technical expert(s). TOCIC will be periodically reporting project status to DSIR at an interval of **3 months**. The PRCs consisting of external experts will meet at least once in **nine months** to review the progress of the project.
• The project completion report will be accepted by the Competent Authority in the DSIR based on **PRC recommendation** after successful closure of the project.

Limiting Conditions

• The proposals involving **software development**, **only patenting** and for **basic scientific research** having no immediate commercial implications will **not be accepted** for consideration under PRISM. Software embedded projects and patenting along with prototype development are eligible for support.
• Students will have to provide a **‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC)** 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.
• Student innovators making to the final of any competition are eligible but to ensure that their studies are not adversely affected, they are encouraged to take the project as full time activity **after graduation**.
• The proposals scouted, documented and mentored by other (other than TOCICs) agencies need to be submitted with evaluation by the assisting agency. However, such proposals need to be routed through **nearest TOCIC**.
• The **process know-how development** will also be eligible for support. The proposals such as to scientifically characterise or involving **testing efficacy and toxicity** of herbal formulations developed by innovator will be eligible for support.
• Individuals working in organizations & having innovative ideas may apply for PRISM support by furnishing a **‘No Objection Certificate’** from their employer.
• **Manpower** (like technical assistant) costs are based on actual & not exceeding **20%** of the approved project cost. Innovator’s salary and rental expenses for use of own facilities are not eligible for support.
• **Travel** cost is based on actual & not exceeding **5%** of the approved project cost.
• The **retention schedule** of documents for PRISM for RTI Act, 2005 may be as follows:
  • Rejected or not supported Application: **One Year** since the date of rejection
  • Approved proposals: **Three years** (since the closure of the project/issuance of final sanction order).
• The decision of Competent Authority in DSIR in respect of PRISM scheme will be **final and binding** upon the stake holders.
• In case of any dispute, the liability of PRISM is limited to the jurisdiction of **Delhi High Court** only.

N.B.: The guidelines are subject to change periodically if desired so by the Competent Authority/Department.