GEN-NEXT Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS)

GENESIS supports successful tech startups in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities by providing funding, mentorship, and capacity-building resources to build an inclusive and affordable innovation ecosystem.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS) scheme to discover and accelerate tech startups, mainly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The scheme encourages joint work between government, startups, and corporates to push digitisation, employment, and economic growth.

GEN-NEXT Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS) - Introduction

With a budget of ₹490 crore over five years, the scheme supports students, faculty, entrepreneurs, incubators, and investors. MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) runs the scheme through around 65 partner agencies, with the aim of scaling up about 1,600 technology startups. GENESIS matches main schemes like India AI, ISM, and India Stack, and continues to accept applications for its funding components through 2026.

Objectives

The scheme works on a few clear goals:

• Consolidate existing MeitY schemes to improve efficiency and resource use.
• Provide funding for pilot projects, early-stage ventures, and deep-tech startups, specifically in underserved cities.
• Build a strong startup community through workshops, boot camps, and partnerships.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme offers support across four key categories:

• Ideation Support (Entrepreneur in Residence): Up to ₹10 lakh for early-stage startups with no matching fund requirement. This component also runs as the GENESIS EiR Cohort programme.
• Pilot (Proof-of-Concept) Support: Between ₹40 lakh and ₹50 lakh for pilots with no matching fund requirement. Startups need a valid purchase or work order from an eligible corporate, PSU, or unicorn.
• Investment Support: Between ₹40 lakh and ₹50 lakh, requiring a 1:1 private sector matching contribution.
• Deep-tech Startup Support: Up to ₹1 crore per startup with no matching fund requirement.

Along with cash support, selected startups get access to the GENESIS platform for centralised help, chances to take part in challenges and corporate innovation programmes, networking with global ecosystems and local industry experts, and capacity-building programmes to improve business performance. For the pilot component, the incubator may hold up to 3% equity in the startup on behalf of MSH.

Eligibility

For Implementing Agencies

Eligible agencies include legal entities registered as Section 8 companies, societies, or trusts, as well as statutory bodies. Recognised incubators, accelerators, and educational institutions approved by UGC or AICTE may also apply if they are actively supporting the startup ecosystem.

For Startups

Startups need to meet a few conditions to apply. They must be registered with DPIIT, be a beneficiary of a MeitY scheme or registered with MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), and have Indian promoters holding at least 51% shareholding as per the Companies Act, 2013. A full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is required, and a market-ready product is needed for commercialisation-based support categories. For the pilot funding component, startups must hold a valid purchase or work order from an eligible corporate, PSU, or unicorn with a minimum turnover of ₹75 crore in the last audited financial year.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the official MeitY Startup Hub website at MeitY Startup Hub and open the GENESIS scheme page.

STEP 2 - Register or log in to the GENESIS startup platform.

STEP 3 - Select the relevant funding component (Ideation, Pilot, Investment, or Deep-tech) based on your entity's current stage.

STEP 4 - Complete the application form and upload all required documents, such as your DPIIT certificate and proof of shareholding.

STEP 5 - Expert committees evaluate submissions through a defined selection process, and shortlisted startups may be asked to present.

STEP 6 - Selected startups receive support and are monitored through the platform on fund use and milestone progress.

Help Desk

For support, email meity-sthub@gov.in or call 011-24301244.

Documents

For implementing agencies, documents like the certificate of registration (Section 8, Society, or Trust), UGC/AICTE recognition for educational institutions, and proof of experience in incubation or acceleration are required.

For startups, the main documents are the DPIIT registration certificate, MSH registration or MeitY scheme beneficiary proof, certificate of incorporation, shareholding pattern showing 51% Indian ownership, proof of a full-time CEO, and market-readiness or product documents. Startups applying for the Investment Support component also need to show the 1:1 matching funds.

References

• Administrative Guidelines
• Official Scheme Brochure
• MeitY Official Website
• MeitY Startup Hub GENESIS Page

FAQ's

What is the primary goal of the GENESIS scheme?

The scheme aims to discover and accelerate tech startups in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through funding, mentorship, and community-building activities.

Which startup component requires matching funding?

Only the Investment Support component requires a 1:1 matching contribution from the private sector. Ideation, Pilot, and Deep-tech support components do not require matching funds.

Who can apply as an Implementing Agency?

Section 8 companies, registered societies, trusts, statutory bodies, or recognised academic and incubation institutions engaged in startup support are eligible.

Are there specific requirements for startup promoters?

Yes, Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding in the startup at the time of application, and the startup must have a full-time CEO.

What is needed for the Pilot funding component?

For pilot funding, a startup must hold a valid purchase or work order from an eligible corporate, PSU, or unicorn with a minimum turnover of ₹75 crore. The funding is equity-based and can go up to ₹40 lakh.