MeitY GENESIS EiR Program Cohort 2 at KIIF
Non-dilutive grant of up to ₹10L for early-stage startups and student entrepreneurs from Tier II and III cities, with mentorship and incubation at KIIF.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Karnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF) (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (10 Oct 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The MeitY GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 at Karnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF) is a central government initiative designed to boost the startup ecosystem in Tier II and Tier III cities. As an Enabling Partner, KIIF provides selected entrepreneurs with non-dilutive grant support, dedicated mentorship, and access to incubation facilities. The program targets committed innovators and early-stage startups who are working on transforming their ideas into a validated Proof of Concept or Prototype, especially in key technology domains. This initiative aims to nurture entrepreneurial talent from underserved regions and help them bridge the gap between ideation and a tangible product.
Highlights
- Non-dilutive grant of up to ₹10 lakh – no equity given up.
- Specifically for innovators and startups from Tier II and Tier III cities.
- Open to student entrepreneurs (full-time UG/PG) and DPIIT-registered startup founders (≤2 years old).
- Grant disbursed in two tranches: 50% on onboarding and 50% on prototype milestone.
- Full selection process completed within 30 days of application deadline.
- Includes mentorship and access to incubation facilities at KIIF.
Who can apply
Applicants must be Indian citizens from Tier II or Tier III cities. They should be working on innovations at the Ideation, Concept Development, Validation, Proof of Concept (PoC), or Prototyping stage. Eligible individuals include full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students with entrepreneurial pursuits, or founders/co-founders of DPIIT-registered startups that are no more than 2 years old. Applicants must commit to working full-time on the startup idea during the EiR program duration and be physically incubated at the KIIF centre. They should not have received external funding (including government grants) exceeding ₹10 lakh, and must not have been previously supported under any MeitY scheme.
MeitY GENESIS EiR Program Cohort 2 at KIIF 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 Program Cohort 2 at KIIF closed on 10 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected entrepreneurs receive a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹10 lakh, meaning no equity is taken. The grant is disbursed in two tranches: 50% upon onboarding and incubation, and the remaining 50% upon achieving agreed milestones (specifically, prototype development), subject to recommendation by the Anchor Mentor. Additionally, participants gain access to dedicated mentorship, incubation facilities at KIIF, and support from a Screening Committee comprising academic experts, investors, and IPR specialists.
About the provider
MeitY GENESIS EiR Program Cohort 2 at KIIF is offered by Karnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF), an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Karnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF) 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
Applications are submitted online via the provided link before the deadline. A Screening Committee consisting of academic experts, investors, IPR experts, and other stakeholders reviews the applications and supporting documentation. The entire selection process is completed within 30 days of the call closing.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to MeitY GENESIS EiR Program Cohort 2 at KIIF, 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 Program Cohort 2 at KIIF 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 total funding amount offered under the MeitY GENESIS EiR Program?
The program offers a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹10 lakh.
What is the application deadline for Cohort 2?
The deadline for submission is October 10, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Indian citizens from Tier II or Tier III cities who are working on innovations at the ideation, concept, validation, PoC, or prototyping stage. Eligible applicants include full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students with entrepreneurial pursuits, or founders/co-founders of DPIIT-registered startups that are less than 2 years old. Applicants must not have received external funding exceeding ₹10 lakh and must not have been supported under any previous MeitY scheme.
Is DPIIT registration required for startups?
Yes, if applying as a startup founder or co-founder, the startup must be DPIIT-registered and no more than 2 years old.
Does the program take equity in the startup?
No, the grant is non-dilutive – no equity is taken.
How is the grant disbursed?
The grant of up to ₹10 lakh is released in two tranches: 50% upon onboarding and incubation, and the remaining 50% upon achieving the prototype milestone, subject to the Anchor Mentor's recommendation.
What documents are needed for the application?
The program does not specify a detailed list, but typical documents include proof of Indian citizenship, details of the innovation, startup registration (if applicable), and evidence of eligibility criteria such as location and funding history. The Screening Committee reviews all submitted documentation.
How do I apply for the program?
Applications must be submitted online through the official link: https://bit.ly/GENSIS-EIR-2 before the deadline on October 10, 2025.
Can I apply if I have already received a government grant?
No, applicants must not have received external funding, including government grants, exceeding ₹10 lakh. Also, previous support under any MeitY scheme disqualifies an applicant.
Do I need to be physically present at KIIF during the program?
Yes, selected entrepreneurs must commit to full-time work on the idea and be physically incubated at the KIIF centre for the duration of the EiR program.
Who offers MeitY GENESIS EiR Program Cohort 2 at KIIF?
MeitY GENESIS EiR Program Cohort 2 at KIIF is offered by Karnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF), an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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