GENESIS Scheme 2026: Up to ₹1 Crore Funding for Tech Startups

At a glance

About the scheme

Launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and executed through the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), the Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS) scheme is designed to discover, support, and scale innovative tech ventures outside major metropolitan centres. Backed by a budget outlay of ₹490 Crore over five years, the initiative aims to impact over 10,000 tech startups across Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations. The programme offers funding across ideation, pilot, investment, and deep-tech stages, while providing ecosystem access, mentorship, and capacity-building through approximately 50 partner implementing agencies.

Benefits

• Ideation Support (Entrepreneur in Residence - EiR): Up to ₹10,00,000 funding for early-stage startups with no matching fund requirement.
• Pilot (Proof-of-Concept) Support: Average funding of ₹40,00,000 and up to ₹50,00,000 per startup with no matching fund requirement.
• Investment Support: Average funding of ₹40,00,000 and up to ₹50,00,000 with a 1:1 private sector matching fund requirement.
• Deep-tech Startup Support: Funding support with an upper ceiling of ₹1,00,00,000 (₹1 Crore) per startup with no matching fund requirement.
• Access to the GENESIS Startup Platform as a single-window solution for MeitY startup schemes and initiatives.
• Execution of challenges, corporate linkages, global ecosystem integration, and targeted capacity-building programmes.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• For Startups: Must be registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• For Startups: Must be a beneficiary of MeitY schemes or registered with the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH).
• For Startups: At least 51% shareholding must be held by Indian promoters at the time of application as per the Companies Act, 2013.
• For Startups: Must have a full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• For Startups: Must possess market-ready products when seeking funds for business development and commercialisation in specific categories.
• For Implementing Agencies: Must be an entity registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, Societies Registration Act 1860, Indian Trusts Act 1882, or a statutory body created through legislative Act.
• For Implementing Agencies: May be an incubator, accelerator, or educational institute recognised by UGC, AICTE, or established under a Central/State Act, engaged in supporting startups.

Documents required

• DPIIT Registration Certificate (for startups).
• MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) Registration Certificate or proof of being a MeitY scheme beneficiary (for startups).
• Certificate of Incorporation or registration documents.
• Shareholding pattern document evidencing at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding.
• Appointment letter or official proof of a full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Product demonstration or market-readiness documentation (where applicable).
• Proof of matching funds from the private sector (mandatory for the Investment Support component).
• Certificate of Registration, UGC/AICTE recognition, and proof of startup support programmes (for Implementing Agencies).

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official MeitY Startup Hub website at msh.meity.gov.in.
2. 2Check the detailed eligibility requirements for either startups or implementing agencies.
3. 3Register an account on the GENESIS Startup Platform or sign in using existing MeitY Startup Hub credentials.
4. 4Select the appropriate funding track among Ideation, Pilot, Investment, or Deep-tech support.
5. 5Complete the online application form and upload all requested verification documents.
6. 6Submit the application for review and assessment by the expert selection committee.
7. 7Track milestone achievements, project monitoring, and fund utilisation through the portal after selection.

Frequently asked questions