GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups)

GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), implemented by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). The program provides comprehensive support to early-stage technology startups, including incubation facilities, mentorship, access to funding, and networking opportunities to help them grow and succeed. It operates through approximately 50 Implementing Agencies (IAs), preferably located in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, ensuring wider geographic reach. The MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) oversees the scheme's execution, with expert-led selection processes for both implementation partners and startups.

• Grant funding of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for early-stage tech startups.
• Implemented by MeitY through STPI, with 50+ Implementing Agencies across India.
• Preference for Implementing Agencies in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
• Requires DPIIT registration and at least 51% Indian promoter ownership.
• Full-time CEO and market-ready products are mandatory.
• Incubation, mentorship, and networking support included.

To be eligible for GENESIS, a startup must be a beneficiary of MeitY schemes or registered with the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH). Additionally, it must be a DPIIT-registered startup. The startup should have at least 51% Indian promoter ownership at the time of application, as per the Companies Act, 2013. A full-time CEO is required, and the startup must have market-ready products while seeking funds for business development and commercialization (in applicable categories).

GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

Selected startups receive grant funding ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore. Beyond financial support, they gain access to incubation facilities, mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities, and assistance in business development and commercialization. The program is implemented through a network of approximately 50 Implementing Agencies, enabling local support across Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) is offered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection of both Implementing Agencies and startups under the GENESIS scheme is conducted by experts based on a defined and structured selection process. While specific stages are not detailed, the process involves evaluation against eligibility criteria, including DPIIT registration, promoter ownership, and market readiness of products.

Before you apply to GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups), 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.

GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L – ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.