NIDHI – Entrepreneur in Residence
A fellowship that pays you to work full-time on a technology business idea before you incorporate anything.
What you get
₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per month for 12 months, extendable to 18
Nodal ministry
Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Support type
Grant
Best suited for
Ideation
Typical timeline
Announced locally by the host TBI
What this scheme actually is
NIDHI-EIR removes the opportunity cost of entrepreneurship. Selected fellows get a monthly stipend, co-working space at a NIDHI TBI and mentoring from experienced founders — while they are still validating the idea. For a graduating engineer or a researcher leaving a job, it is the difference between trying and not trying.
Implementing agency: NIDHI Technology Business Incubators
What the scheme sets out to do
Who can apply
What you get
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Find the NIDHI TBIs running EIR
The programme is announced locally by each TBI rather than centrally. Identify the TBIs in your domain and track their announcements.
- 2
Check the education and experience gate
Four years of full-time UG/PG, or a 3-year degree/diploma plus two years of full-time work experience.
- 3
Prepare the idea note
Technology, problem, why now and what you will validate in 12 months. TBIs select on the founder as much as on the idea at this stage.
- 4
Apply in the TBI's prescribed format and interview
Selection is by the host TBI's committee.
- 5
Use the fellowship to reach incorporation
The strongest outcome is exiting the fellowship with a validated idea, an incorporated entity and a PRAYAS or SISFS application ready to file.
What we actually do on a NIDHI-EIR mandate
Services this usually needs
No consultant can guarantee a sanction — that decision sits with the evaluating committee, bank or incubator. We commit to an honest eligibility view, an application built to the evaluator’s format, filing inside the window and a documented follow-up cadence. That is stated in every engagement letter we sign.