Department of Science and Technology (DST, India) logo
Funder · Federal agency

Department of Science and Technology (DST, India)

Funds Indian science, technology, innovation, and research commercialization programs across public and private institutions.

Indiadst.gov.in
Key stats
Annual funding₹60.67B
Programs7
Active grants4
Total grants5
About

Department of Science and Technology (DST India) is India's nodal science department under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Set up in May 1971, it manages an annual budget of about INR 6,067 crore and sits over a wide science-and-innovation portfolio. It also oversees 19+ autonomous research institutions and more than 884 recognised Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations.

Its sup…

Programs & grants under this funder
FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure)

Supports Infrastructure grants to universities and research institutions for upgrading science and technology facilities.

INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)

Supports Scholarships and fellowships to attract and retain talented students in science school through doctorate level.

1 grant
INSPIRE — Fellowships & Scholarships
Open
— pool·Rolling submission
NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing & Harnessing Innovations)

Supports startup incubation and innovation ecosystem development through network of Indian incubators.

4 grants
NIDHI — Incubation Support
Open
— pool·Rolling submission
NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Open
— pool·Rolling submission
NIDHI PRAYAS Prototype Grant
Open
— pool·Rolling submission
NIDHI Seed Support Program
Between cycles
— pool
DST INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship

Supports DST INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship to help returning Indian scientists lead independent teams in national institutions.

NIDHI EIR Entrepreneur in Residence

Offers NIDHI Entrepreneur in Residence as a founder fellowship with stipend support for Indian deep-tech teams in incubators.

NIDHI PRAYAS Promoting and Accelerating Young and ASpiring Innovators

Funds NIDHI PRAYAS to help Indian innovators move hardware ideas toward prototypes through grant support in PRAYAS centres.

DST PRISM Promoting Innovation in Individuals

Funds DST PRISM to move Indian hardware and deep technology ideas toward prototypes through practical translation grants.

Last verified: 28 May 2026Source: dst.gov.in