MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation
Government grant of up to ₹10L for deep-tech/ICT startups founded by students or recent founders in Tier-II/III cities.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AIC-RNTU Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (6 Oct 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The MeitY GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort-2, operated at the AIC-RNTU Foundation, is a government-backed initiative designed to fuel early-stage innovation in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. It offers a grant of up to ₹10 lakhs along with mentorship and a structured ecosystem to help students and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable startups. The program prioritises deep-tech and ICT domains, including AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing, aiming to build a sustainable and inclusive technology-driven entrepreneurship culture in smaller cities.
As a program partner, AIC-RNTU Foundation provides the grant and integral support to ensure selection into the programme helps founders cross the critical early stages. The focus is on ventures at the ideation, concept development, validation, or prototyping stage, helping them advance toward market-ready products. The programme is part of a larger central government effort to decentralise startup growth beyond major metros.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹10L — fully non-dilutive, no equity taken.
- Open only to founders from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
- Focus on deep-tech, AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and ICT.
- Students (full-time UG/PG) and DPIIT-registered startups less than 2 years old.
- Cohort-2 deadline: 6 October 2025.
Who can apply
You must be an Indian citizen. You can apply if you are a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student, or a founder/co-founder of a DPIIT-registered startup that is less than 2 years old. Your venture must be registered in or based out of a Tier-II or Tier-III city only. Your innovation should be in the ideation, concept development, validation, or prototyping stage. Your technology must fall under any of: electronic design and manufacturing, deeptech software/products, or ICT. Deep-tech includes advanced areas such as AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing.
MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation 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 MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation closed on 6 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Grant of up to ₹10 lakhs (non-dilutive, so no equity is taken).
- Structured ecosystem support, including mentorship and guidance to transform an idea into a business.
- Access to AIC-RNTU Foundation's incubator infrastructure and network.
- Focus on early-stage (idea to prototype) so the grant covers key development costs.
About the provider
MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation is offered by AIC-RNTU Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by AIC-RNTU Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Eligible applications are screened by AIC-RNTU Foundation and shortlisted candidates are invited for a pitch/interview round. Final selection is based on the novelty of the idea, technology depth, team capability, and potential for societal or commercial impact. Specific selection weightages have not been disclosed.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation, 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
MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation 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
How much funding is offered?
The programme provides a grant of up to ₹10 lakhs. No equity is taken — it is a non-dilutive grant.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for Cohort-2 is 6 October 2025.
Who can apply?
You must be an Indian citizen. You can apply if you are a full-time UG or PG student, or a founder/co-founder of a DPIIT-registered startup that is less than 2 years old. Your enterprise must be based in a Tier-II or Tier-III city. The venture should be in the ideation, concept development, validation, or prototyping stage and must focus on electronic design and manufacturing, deeptech software/products, or ICT (including AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, Quantum Computing).
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
For startup founders, DPIIT registration is required and the startup should be less than 2 years old. Students without a registered startup are also eligible, and they do not need DPIIT registration.
Do the founders have to be from Tier-II or Tier-III cities only?
Yes. The programme is designed exclusively for ventures registered or based in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Does the grant take equity?
No. The grant is non-dilutive; AIC-RNTU Foundation does not take any equity in exchange for the grant.
What documents are typically needed for the application?
You will generally need proof of Indian citizenship, identity and address proof, detailed project idea or technology description, and for startup founders, pending patent details (if any). DPIIT certificate for startups (and incorporation details), curriculum vitae of the entrepreneurial team/ students, and a pitch deck.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the AIC-RNTU Foundation's application portal at https://www.aicrntu.com/apply_genesis.
Which technology domains are supported?
The programme supports deep-tech domains including AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Electronic Design and Manufacturing (Electronic System Design and Manufacturing-ESDM) as well as broader ICT.
Is this only for students?
No. Both full-time undergraduate/postgraduate students and founders/co-founders (with a startup less than 2 years old and registered in a Tier-II/III city) can apply.
Who offers MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation?
MeitY GENESIS EiR (Cohort-2) at AIC-RNTU Foundation is offered by AIC-RNTU Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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