MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program
MeitY GENESIS PILOT provides up to ₹40L grant for tech startups from Tier-II/III cities to run real-world pilots with corporates.
- Funding amount
- ₹40L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (10 Nov 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program, run by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) through MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), is a flagship scheme to support tech startups in validating their market-ready solutions via structured, real-world pilot projects with large organisations. It specifically targets startups from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Financial support of up to ₹40 Lakhs per startup is provided on a milestone basis. The scheme facilitates pilot implementation with reputed Corporates, PSUs, Fortune 500 companies, and Unicorns, helping startups gain revenue traction and industry credibility. Startups also get access to labs, prototyping facilities, and infrastructure through appointed Enabling Partners (EPs), along with expert mentoring and business connect opportunities. The program encourages corporates and PSUs to engage with emerging technologies, strengthening industry-startup collaboration.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹40 Lakhs per startup, disbursed milestone-based.
- Specifically designed for startups from Tier-II and Tier-III cities in India.
- Enables pilots with reputed Corporates, PSUs, Fortune 500 companies, and Unicorns.
- Access to labs, prototyping facilities, and infrastructure via Enabling Partners (EPs).
- Expert mentoring and business connect opportunities provided.
- Requires a valid Work Order or Purchase Order (WO/PO) from an eligible Pilot Partner.
Who can apply
To apply for the MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program, your startup must be DPIIT-registered. You must have a demonstrable working prototype or MVP and a full-time founder or co-founder actively engaged in the venture. Your startup must work in ICT-related domains such as IT, AI, Electronic Design & Manufacturing (ESDM), or DeepTech products. Crucially, you must possess a valid Work Order or Purchase Order (WO/PO) from an eligible Pilot Partner, which includes Corporates, PSUs, or Recognized Unicorns.
MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program 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 PILOT Program closed on 10 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
About the provider
MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program 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.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program, 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 PILOT Program is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹40L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program?
It is a grant scheme under MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) that provides up to ₹40 Lakhs per startup to conduct real-world pilot projects with large organisations, specifically targeting tech startups from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
How much funding is offered?
The program offers a grant of up to ₹40 Lakhs per startup, disbursed on a milestone-based schedule.
What is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary by incubator – most are in late October or early November 2025. For example, IIT Mandi Catalyst deadline is October 27, 2025, and Atal Incubation Centre ISB deadline is November 10, 2025. Check your chosen incubator's specific deadline.
Who is eligible to apply?
Startups must be DPIIT-registered, have a working prototype/MVP, a full-time founder/co-founder, work in ICT domains (IT, AI, ESDM, DeepTech), and hold a valid Work Order/Purchase Order from an eligible Pilot Partner (Corporate, PSU, or Recognized Unicorn).
Which sectors or industries are eligible?
The program focuses on ICT-related domains including IT, AI, Electronic Design & Manufacturing (ESDM), and DeepTech products.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, you must be a DPIIT-registered startup to apply.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant – it is non-dilutive and does not require equity.
How can I apply?
Applications are accepted through partner incubators across India. You can apply via links provided for each incubator, such as IIT Mandi Catalyst (https://bit.ly/4h4J5IK) or AIC ISB (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx2nB7c9r45KFbSSVjHaikBy0N9Q_DsyOuH8Hollx_ccsuSA/viewform).
Can I apply from any state?
Yes, there are partner incubators in multiple states including Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Goa. Startups from any state may apply to any incubator.
What documents are typically needed?
You will likely need your DPIIT registration certificate, details of your working prototype/MVP, proof of a full-time founder, and a valid Work Order or Purchase Order from an eligible Pilot Partner.
Who offers MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program?
MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program is offered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) runs 6 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program
Not sure MeitY GENESIS PILOT Program is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.