MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur
MeitY-funded EiR Grant for deep-tech startups from Tier 2/3 cities, providing up to ₹10L for idea validation to product development.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SIIC IIT Kanpur (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Oct 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The MeitY GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program – Cohort 2 is a grant initiative funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and hosted by SIIC IIT Kanpur. It targets early-stage, first-generation entrepreneurs, especially those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. The program runs for 12 months and offers comprehensive support to accelerate entrepreneurial ventures from idea validation through product development and market entry, with a focus on deep-tech domains. Key features include grant funding of up to ₹10 lakhs, mandatory full-time physical incubation at SIIC IIT Kanpur with access to state-of-the-art labs, personalized mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with industry, CSR, and investor connects.
Highlights
- Grant funding up to ₹10 Lakhs for product development, market research, or customer validation.
- Focus on entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- Mandatory 12-month full-time physical incubation at SIIC IIT Kanpur with lab access.
- Open to full-time students and DPIIT-registered startups (≤2 years old).
- Sectors: Electronic Design & Manufacturing, Deeptech Software/Products, ICT (including AI/ML, IoT, VLSI, Cybersecurity, etc.).
Who can apply
Applicants must be Indian citizens, and their entity must be registered from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city. The program is open to full-time UG/PG students with entrepreneurial pursuits or founders/co-founders of a DPIIT-registered startup that is ≤2 years old. The startup must be at the ideation, concept development, proof-of-concept, or prototyping stage, and must operate in Electronic Design & Manufacturing, Deeptech Software/Products, or ICT (including AI/ML, IoT, VLSI/Semiconductor, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, AR/VR/Spatial and Immersive tech). Applicants must commit full-time to the startup during the 12-month program and must not have received significant external funding exceeding ₹10 lakh (including government grants) or prior support under any MeitY schemes.
MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur 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 Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur closed on 25 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Grant funding support of up to ₹10 Lakhs for product development, market research, or customer validation.
- Mandatory full-time physical incubation at SIIC IIT Kanpur with access to state-of-the-art labs and ecosystem.
- Personalized mentorship from expert and industry leaders.
- Networking opportunities with industry, CSR, and investor connects.
About the provider
MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SIIC IIT Kanpur 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
- Application Submission: Apply online through the provided link.
- Evaluation: Shortlisting of applications, followed by an internal evaluation of selected startups.
- Announcement: Final announcement of grantees.
- Documentation: Successful applicants submit required documents (Certificate of Incorporation, KYC, Audited Financial Statements, etc.) and sign agreements.
- Incubation: Selected applicants must be physically incubated at SIIC IIT Kanpur for the 12-month duration.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur, 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 Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur 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 under the MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant?
The program offers grant funding of up to ₹10 Lakhs.
What is the application deadline for Cohort 2?
The deadline for applications is October 25, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Indian citizens whose entity is registered from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city. Applicants must be full-time UG/PG students with entrepreneurial pursuits or founders/co-founders of a DPIIT-registered startup that is ≤2 years old. The startup must be at ideation, concept development, PoC, or prototyping stage.
What sectors or industries are supported?
The program supports startups in Electronic Design & Manufacturing, Deeptech Software/Products, and ICT (including AI/ML, IoT, VLSI/Semiconductor, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, AR/VR/Spatial and Immersive tech).
Is DPIIT registration required to apply?
Yes, if you are applying as a founder/co-founder of a startup, your startup must be DPIIT-registered.
Does the program take equity?
No, the funding is a grant, so no equity is taken.
What is the time commitment expected from participants?
Participants must commit to working full-time on their startup idea during the 12-month program.
Can applicants who have already received other funding apply?
No, applicants must not have received significant external funding exceeding ₹10 Lakh (including government grants) or prior support under any MeitY schemes.
What documents are needed if selected?
Successful applicants need to submit Certificate of Incorporation, KYC documents, Audited Financial Statements, and other required documents, and sign necessary agreements.
How do I apply for the MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant?
Applications are submitted online through the link provided by SIIC IIT Kanpur.
Who offers MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur?
MeitY GENESIS EiR Grant - Cohort 2 at SIIC IIT Kanpur is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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