GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur — Frequently Asked Questions

Selected participants receive financial support of up to ₹10 lakh to develop their startup idea or prototype.

The deadline for Cohort 2 is March 15, 2026.

Indian citizens who are first-generation entrepreneurs or startup founders. You can be a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student, or a founder/co-founder of a startup. Startup founders must have a DPIIT-registered startup that is not older than 2 years. Applicants must belong to a Tier II or Tier III city, and the startup must be in ideation, concept development, validation, problem-solution fit, proof of concept, or prototype stage. Innovation should be in electronics, IT, or deep-tech (AI/ML, IoT, VLSI, cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum computing, AR/VR, etc.).

No, the program provides a grant (financial assistance) that is non-dilutive; no equity is taken.

Yes, if you are applying as a startup founder, your startup must be DPIIT-registered. Students not yet incorporated may not need it, but startup applicants must have DPIIT registration.

Startups must not have received more than ₹10 lakh in external or government funding to be eligible.

Yes, physical incubation at InFED, IIM Nagpur is mandatory for selected participants.

You can apply via the official application form on Google Forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW68W-7L1Kj6HK_gaH5HR3B_ql-d7BDeC0xsVVrQItpc1a9g/viewform

No, the program is specifically for first-generation entrepreneurs or startup founders.

Electronics, IT, and deep-tech domains, including AI/ML, IoT, VLSI/Semiconductor, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, AR/VR, and immersive technologies.

GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is offered by InFED, IIM Nagpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.