NIDHI – Entrepreneur-in-Residence
(EIR) Programme

Overview

The NIDHI-EIR Programme, launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is designed to encourage graduates and young professionals to pursue entrepreneurship in technology-based ideas. It provides financial support, mentorship, and incubation facilities to help them transform innovative ideas into sustainable startups. The scheme reduces the risk of entrepreneurship by offering a monthly fellowship and access to incubation support, making entrepreneurship a more attractive career option.

Objectives
  • Encourage graduating students and professionals to choose entrepreneurship as a
    career.
  • Provide financial security to innovators while they work on high-risk technology business
    ideas.
  • Build a pipeline of entrepreneurs for incubators across India.
  • Support the creation of startups and help them progress toward raising investments.
  • Strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem in line with AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
Offerings for Entrepreneurs (EIRs)
  • Encourage graduating students and professionals to choose entrepreneurship as a
    career.
  • Provide financial security to innovators while they work on high-risk technology business
    ideas.
  • Build a pipeline of entrepreneurs for incubators across India.
  • Support the creation of startups and help them progress toward raising investments.
  • Strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem in line with AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
Eligibility (For EIR Applicants)
  • Must be an Indian citizen with valid government ID (Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
  • Must have completed:
    • Minimum 4 years of formal education (UG/PG) in Science/Engineering, OR
    • 3 years degree/diploma + 2 years full-time work experience in Science/Engineering.
  • Should propose a scalable technology-based business idea.
  • Must pursue entrepreneurship full-time (cannot be employed or receiving any other fellowship simultaneously).
  • Should not be a promoter/shareholder (>10%) in another company at the time of applying.
  • Must be registered in a pre-incubation or incubation program at a recognized TBI.
  • Preference given to:
    • Startups with high technology risk/long gestation periods.
    • Innovations leveraging public research/academic IP.
    • Ideas with strong social impact potential.
Implementing Agencies
  • Programme Implementation Partner (PIP): Venture Center, CSIR-NCL Campus, Pune.
  • Programme Executing Partners (PEPs): Selected Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) approved by NSTEDB.
How to Apply for NIDHI-EIR
    1. Identify a Host Incubator (PEP):
      1. Applicants must apply through a recognized Technology Business Incubator (TBI) that is approved under the NIDHI programme.
      2. A list of eligible TBIs is usually available on the NSTEDB/DST website.
    2. Prepare Your Application:
      1. Submit your business idea proposal, personal details, and educational qualifications.
      2. Clearly outline the technology innovation and potential impact of your idea.
    3. Application Review:
      1. The TBI will evaluate applications based on the innovation, feasibility, market potential, and commitment of the applicant.
      2. Shortlisted applicants may be called for an interview or pitch presentation.
    4. Final Selection & Onboarding:
      1. Selected entrepreneurs are formally enrolled as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) at the host TBI.
      2. The fellowship amount (₹10,000–₹30,000 per month) is disbursed directly by the incubator.
    5. Application For Startups and Innovators
Interested Students and Innovators may apply for support under NIDHI – EIR through NIDHI – EIR Centres (at selected TBIs).
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