Proof-of-concept funding
5 verified programmes in the CapEasy funding directory. Every entry links to its official source.
Proof-of-concept funding exists to answer one question: does the thing work at all? It pays for the experiment, the trial, the first technical demonstration — not for marketing, hiring or scale.
Because the money is tied to a technical milestone, applications are judged on whether the milestone is specific and testable. A vague plan to "build the product" is the most common reason a proof-of-concept application fails.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — always confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before applying.
Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG)
BIRAC BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant) at FITT IIT Delhi
Promoting Academic Research Conversion to Enterprise (PACE)
DST NIDHI PRAYAS (SINE IIT Bombay PMU)
NIDHI PRAYAS
Answer 4 questions — we’ll shortlist what you can claim.
CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not associated with any government programme, agency or authority. Eligibility and approval rest with the relevant authorities; we help you assess and apply, but cannot guarantee approval. Programme terms change — the official page linked from each entry is the position of record.
Questions founders ask.
The programmes listed on this page all accept applicants at the proof of concept stage. They differ in instrument — grant, subsidy, loan or equity — and in who runs them, so read the benefit type on each card before applying.
For most central schemes and many state schemes, yes. DPIIT recognition is free, done online, and gates a large share of the funding in this directory, so it is usually the first step rather than an afterthought.
The directory is re-checked on a rolling basis against official sources and programmes that close are removed. Each entry links to the official page, which remains the position of record — always confirm there before you apply.