GENESIS Pilot 2.0

About

A MeitY Startup Hub initiative offers eligible DPIIT-recognised startups in Tier-II/Tier-III Indian cities funding support of up to ₹40 lakh against Pilot Purchase Orders or Work Orders, with applications due by 30 October 2026.

Benefits

• 💰Funding
  Up to ₹40 lakh per startup against eligible Pilot Purchase Orders/Work Orders, subject to eligibility, verification and selection by the Expert Committee
• 🚀Pilot Deployment Support
  Support to execute real-world pilots and customer validation with government bodies, PSUs or large enterprises, subject to selection
• 📈Market Validation
  Real-world testing with enterprise users to strengthen product validation and market credibility, subject to selection

Eligibility Criteria

• DPIIT Recognition
• Mandatory requirement of being a DPIIT-recognised startup
• City Tier
• Mandatory requirement of being incorporated in a Tier-II or Tier-III city
• Age and Ownership
• Mandatory requirement of being 1 to 5 years old with at least 51% Indian founder ownership
• Product Readiness
• Mandatory requirement of a working MVP or prototype and at least one full-time founder
• Pilot Order
• Mandatory requirement of a valid Pilot Purchase Order or Work Order worth ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore from an eligible, independent pilot partner
• Own Product Deployment
• Mandatory requirement that the pilot involves deployment of the startup’s own product
• Revenue Limit
• Mandatory requirement of cumulative revenue up to ₹1.5 crore
• Prior Funding Limits
• Mandatory requirement of prior government funding up to ₹40 lakh and prior private funding up to ₹1.5 crore
• Priority Sectors
• Preferred ICT, AI, DeepTech, ESDM and innovative hardware startups are prioritised for pilot grants

Participation Commitments

Equity — up to 3% of fully diluted post-money shareholding, held by the participating incubator on behalf of MeitY Startup Hub.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other

Target Location

India — startups must be incorporated in a Tier-II or Tier-III Indian city and have at least 51% Indian founder ownership.