GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2
The GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 by PIEDS supports early-stage founders from Tier II and Tier III Indian cities with grants up to ₹10 Lakhs.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- PIEDS (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (23 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is a key initiative under the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), specifically designed to empower early-stage entrepreneurs. It targets founders operating from India's Tier II and Tier III cities.
This program provides comprehensive support, including structured mentorship, access to a vibrant startup ecosystem, and crucial financial assistance of up to ₹10 Lakhs. Its primary goal is to help founders rigorously validate and develop their innovative startup concepts.
Selected participants will benefit from physical incubation at the Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan. Here, they will receive direct, hands-on guidance to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey. The program places a particular emphasis on startups focused on Electronic Design and Manufacturing, Deeptech Software or Products, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domains.
Highlights
- Grant funding of up to ₹10 Lakhs for early-stage startups.
- Supports founders from Tier II and Tier III cities across India.
- Focus on Electronic Design & Manufacturing, Deeptech Software/Products, and ICT.
- Requires DPIIT-registered startups less than two years old.
- Mandates physical incubation at PIEDS, BITS Pilani, Rajasthan.
- Initiative under the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH).
Who can apply
This program is open exclusively to Indian citizens.
Applicants must be founders or co-founders of a startup that is officially registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The startup must also be relatively young, not exceeding two years in age.
A crucial requirement is that the applicant or the entity must be registered from a Tier II or Tier III city within India. Furthermore, the startup should not have secured substantial external funding, with the total received amount, including any government grants, not surpassing ₹10 Lakhs. Applicants who have previously received support under any MeitY schemes are not eligible.
The startup idea itself must be in its early stages of development, specifically at the ideation, concept development, validation, problem-solution fit, proof of concept (PoC), or prototyping/working prototype phase.
Successful applicants must demonstrate a firm commitment to dedicating full-time effort to their proposed startup throughout the duration of the EiR program. Additionally, they must be willing to undergo physical incubation at PIEDS, located at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan.
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 closed on 23 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Recipients of the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 will receive significant support designed to accelerate their startup's growth.
- Financial Grant: Up to ₹10 Lakhs in grant funding to support the development and validation of their startup idea.
- Structured Mentorship: Access to expert guidance and mentorship to navigate the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship.
- Ecosystem Access: Opportunities to connect with a broader network of investors, industry leaders, and potential partners.
- Physical Incubation: Dedicated workspace and hands-on support at the Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan.
About the provider
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is offered by PIEDS, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by PIEDS as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2?
The GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is an initiative by the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and PIEDS that offers structured mentorship, ecosystem access, and financial support of up to ₹10 Lakhs to early-stage founders from Tier II and Tier III cities in India.
Who is the program provider for GENESIS EiR Cohort 2?
The program is provided by the Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), which is based at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan.
What type of funding is provided, and what is the maximum amount?
The program offers a grant, which means it is non-dilutive and does not require equity. Selected founders can receive financial support of up to ₹10 Lakhs.
What is the application deadline for this program?
The application deadline for the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is January 23, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for the GENESIS EiR Program?
Eligible applicants must be Indian citizens, founders or co-founders of DPIIT-registered startups less than two years old, and based in Tier II or Tier III cities. Startups should not have received more than ₹10 Lakhs in prior external funding, including grants, and applicants must not have been previously supported by MeitY schemes.
Are there specific startup stages or industries that are prioritized?
Yes, the program supports startups at the ideation, concept development, validation, problem-solution fit, proof of concept (PoC), or prototyping/working prototype stages. It specifically focuses on Electronic Design and Manufacturing, Deeptech Software or Products, and ICT domains.
Is DPIIT registration a mandatory requirement for applicants?
Yes, applicants must be founders or co-founders of a startup that is officially registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Does the GENESIS EiR Program take equity from participating startups?
No, the program provides a grant, which is a form of non-dilutive funding. This means the program does not take any equity stake in the participating startups.
Where will selected entrepreneurs be physically incubated?
Selected entrepreneurs are required to be physically incubated at the Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan.
How can I apply for the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2?
You can apply for the program through the official application form available at https://forms.gle/HspagEyJpXZzw6EN8.
How much funding does GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 provide?
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 provides ₹10L (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Who offers GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2?
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is offered by PIEDS, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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