YouthNet Incubation Centre (YIC) is now inviting applications from high-potential startups under the MeitY GENESIS Program, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and MeitY Startup Hub (MSH). The program is designed to catalyze the growth of emerging ventures through strategic funding, mentorship, and deep industry linkages. By empowering startups to validate, scale, and commercialize breakthrough digital innovations, the initiative aims to fortify India’s deep-tech ecosystem and accelerate the nation’s journey toward a globally competitive digital economy.
Important Note:
Startups that have already received benefits under the MeitY TIDE 2.0 Scale-Up or MeitY SAMRIDH programs are not eligible to apply under this scheme.
MeitY GENESIS – Pilot Funding Scheme
This component enables startups to test, validate, and deploy market-ready solutions in collaboration with corporates, PSUs, or large enterprises. Startups can receive up to ₹40 lakhs in funding support for pilot execution, helping them bridge the gap between MVP and commercialization. The scheme focuses on startups working in ICT, AI, electronics, and deep tech
domains with a valid work/purchase order from eligible organizations. It encourages industry–startup partnerships to drive real-world adoption of digital innovations.
Eligibility:
For Startups:
1. Must be a DPIIT registered startup.
2. Should be working in ICT-related domains: IT & AI, electronic design & manufacturing, tech/deeptech products.
3. Must have: MVP/working prototype, viable business plan, full-time founder/co-founder,
4. Must have a Pilot work order/ Purchase order from eligible corporate/PSU/unicorn.
For Corporates (Pilot Partners):
1. Minimum turnover of ₹75 crore+ in the last audited financial year.
2. At least 5 years of operations.
3. Preference: Govt of India/State govt./PSUs, Fortune 500 companies, large corporates (Indian/Global), unicorn startups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – MeitY GENESIS Pilot Funding Program (MeitY Startup Hub)
It’s a component under MeitY’s GENESIS initiative that enables startups, especially from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, to validate and demonstrate their market-ready solutions through pilot projects with corporates, PSUs, and large enterprises.
To bridge the gap between MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and commercialization by helping startups execute pilot projects, gain credibility, generate revenue, and foster industry collaboration.
Each selected startup may receive up to ₹40 lakhs, equity-based funding, based on project scope and requirement.
1. Who can apply for this Pilot Funding Program?
Startups that are DPIIT-registered, have a working MVP/prototype, are working in ICT-related domains (AI, electronics, deeptech, IT), and have a valid purchase/work order (PO/WO) from an eligible corporate/PSU/unicorn working from Tier II & Tier III Cities.
2. What is a valid Purchase Order/Work Order (PO/WO)?
PO/WO must be issued by an eligible organization such as a Government of India ministry, State Government department, PSU, Fortune 500 company, or recognized unicorn startup. Minimum turnover of work order provider should be more than ₹75 crore in the last audited financial year; minimum 5 years of operations; must belong to the eligible organization categories listed above.
3. Can early-stage startups without PO/WO apply?
No. Startups must have a valid and verifiable PO/WO to qualify.
4. Can startups already funded under TIDE 2.0 or SAMRIDH apply?
No. Startups that have been beneficiaries of TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up) or SAMRIDH are not eligible.
5. Can startups apply jointly or as a consortium?
Only individual DPIIT-recognized startups can apply.
6. Do all founders need to be full-time?
Yes, at least one full-time founder or co-founder is mandatory.
1. What is the total duration of the selection process?
The complete process is expected to conclude within 30 days after the closure of the call for proposals.
2. What happens after approval?
A tripartite agreement among the Startup, EP (YouthNet Incubation Centre), and Corporate partner is signed, defining the scope, deliverables, success benchmarks, and disbursement schedule.
1. How much funding can a startup expect?
Up to ₹40 lakhs, depending on the project and approval.
2. Is the funding released in one go?
No, disbursement may be milestone-based or in single/two tranches, as decided by the committee.
3. Who disburses the funds?
Funds are disbursed by the Enabling Partner (YouthNet Incubation Centre) under supervision from MSH.
4. Are there equity obligations?
Yes. The incubator (YouthNet Incubation Centre) may hold up to 3% equity in the startup on behalf of MSH. The ownership rests with MSH.
5. When must the equity transfer be completed?
Within 30 days of fund disbursal.
1. What documents are required from startups?
Certificate of incorporation, DPIIT recognition, Founder/team profiles, IP certificates (if any), Pitch deck, and Copy of valid PO/WO.
2. What documents are required from corporates (Pilot Partners)?
Audited balance sheet, GST certificate, and Approved PO/WO.
1. What parameters are used to evaluate startups?
• Team capability & infrastructure
• Innovation & technology readiness
• Readiness & implementation plan
• Market potential & scalability
• Financials & revenue potential etc.
2. Who evaluates the startups?
An expert committee at each stage — incubator, MSH, MeitY Innovation Division.
3. Is a pitch presentation required?
Yes. Shortlisted startups must present to the Expert Committee for final recommendation.
1. What is the duration of pilot projects?
It depends on the approved proposal but must align with the scope of the PO/WO.
2. How is project success measured?
Success benchmarks and deliverables are defined in the tripartite agreement (e.g., deployment, user testing, commercial readiness).
3. What kind of support will YouthNet Incubation Centre provide?
Access to labs, prototyping facilities, and workspace; mentoring (technical, business, IP); corporate and investor connections; compliance/reporting assistance.
4. What kind of reports are required?
Startups and YouthNet Incubation Centre must submit regular progress and financial reports to MSH.
5. Who monitors compliance?
The MeitY Innovation & IPR Division conducts compliance checks and reviews impact metrics such as jobs created, IP filed, and revenues generated.
1. Can a startup reapply if not selected earlier?
Yes, startups can reapply in subsequent calls if they meet all eligibility criteria.
2. Can the same startup apply for multiple pilots?
Yes, provided each pilot has a distinct PO/WO from eligible corporate partners.
3. Can startups use the fund for salaries or operational costs?
Yes, if justified in the fund utilization plan and approved by the committee.
4. Is there any restriction on fund utilization?
Funds must be used strictly for pilot implementation — product refinement, deployment, testing, and related activities.
5. What happens if the startup fails to complete the pilot?
The fund may be revoked or adjusted as per the tripartite agreement; future participation could be restricted.
6. Is IP ownership retained by the startup?
Yes, IP developed under the pilot remains with the startup, unless otherwise specified in the agreement.