NIDHI – Entrepreneur in Residence (NIDHI-EIR)
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
No change found in Oct 2026 checks; terms as per the June 2026 playbook. Confirm the current call/window on the official link before applying.
NIDHI–EIR is a fellowship scheme that gives young people with startup ideas monthly financial support, workspace, and mentoring so they can turn their idea into a business
Objectives
The initiative NIDHI – Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) is executed at selected NIDHI-Technology Business Incubator (TBI) known as Programme Executing Partner (PEP). These approved TBIs then select entrepreneurs under the programme pursuing a promising technology business idea. The objective is to encourage graduating students to take to entrepreneurship by providing support as a fellowship.
Who can apply?
- The entrepreneur should be an Indian citizen. They should have completed minimum 4 years of formal full time undergraduate/post graduate education or 3 years degree or diploma program and have 2-year full time work experience post degree or diploma.
What do you get?
- Grant ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per month for a period of 12 months, extendable up to 18 months.
- The selected NIDHI-TBI will received a grant of ₹39.6 lakh each year, of which ₹36 lakh is to be provided to the NIDHI EIRs.
- Co-working spaces for developing the idea into a marketable product.
- Guidance from experienced, innovative and highly successful entrepreneurs on the business concept, strategy or venture and insight into specific industries or markets.
How to apply
The program is announced by the NIDHI-TBI locally. Applications by the EIR are to be submitted in a prescribed format