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.
About the Program
Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS) by MeitY is a transformative initiative to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. It consolidates existing startup schemes, offers targeted funding for early-stage and deep-tech ventures, and supports incubators through capacity-building efforts. GENESIS aims to foster innovation, nurture talent, and create a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for tech startups across emerging regions.
The MeitY GENESIS- Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR 2.0) Program helps students and entrepreneurs validate their startup ideas, offering support and resources to turn them into viable ventures. It fosters innovation and drives entrepreneurship in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. As a program partner, YouthNet Incubation Centre will provide unparalleled support, mentorship, and resources, offering the perfect platform to turn your innovative ideas into reality.
Funding Support: Up to INR 10 lakhs
For early-stage startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities to accelerate their growth.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Entrepreneur Eligibility
• Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian nationals.
• Age Requirement: Minimum age of 18 years at the time of application.
• Commitment Level: Candidates should be either
o full-time undergraduate or postgraduate or executive education students actively pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, or
o founders/co-founders of DPIIT-recognized startups incorporated within the last two years.
• Entrepreneurial Background: Must be first-generation entrepreneurs with a demonstrated commitment to engaging full-time in their venture throughout the EiR program.
2. Startup / Idea Eligibility
• Stage of Development: The startup or idea should be in the ideation, validation, or early development phase.
• Funding Status: Must not have secured cumulative external funding (including government grants) exceeding ₹10 lakh.
• Scalability & Impact: The proposed solution should demonstrate strong potential for scale and meaningful impact, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III markets.
• Legal Compliance: If incorporated, the entity must be registered as a Private Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) under applicable Indian laws.
3. Funding and Financial Eligibility
• No Prior Significant Funding: The applicant must not have received substantial private investment or government funding for the same idea.
• Grant Deployment Plan: A clear and structured utilization plan for EiR support—covering activities such as prototype development, market validation, or technology refinement—is required.
4. Focus Areas
Applicants must be working on technology-led solutions aligned with priority innovation domains,
including:
• Deep-tech and Emerging Technologies: AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and advanced computing.
• Sector-specific Tech Innovation: Electronics, IT, and digital technologies addressing contemporary societal or operational challenges.
• Product and System Development: Electronic design and manufacturing, deep-tech software solutions, and ICT-driven applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
GENESIS – Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR)
GENESIS–EiR is a flagship initiative under MeitY designed to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The program provides structured financial support, mentorship, and access to innovation networks to help founders transform early-stage ideas into scalable ventures.
Applicants are required to submit a completely filled application form through the link provided.
Additional documents may be requested during subsequent stages of evaluation.
• Final-year UG/PG students or Executive Education with entrepreneurial pursuits are eligible.
• Founders/co-founders of DPIIT-registered startups (less than 2 years old) can also apply.
• PhD scholars receiving institutional fellowships are not eligible.
Applicants should refer to the detailed eligibility criteria for full clarity.
A GENESIS–EiR fellow may receive financial support of up to ₹10,00,000 within the program timeline, subject to approval and compliance with program guidelines.
No. GENESIS–EiR is designed exclusively for full-time entrepreneurs who can dedicate complete focus to building their startup.
The selection follows a two-step evaluation framework:
1. Eligibility Verification: An expert committee at each stage — incubator, MSH, MeitY Innovation Division. screens all applications to confirm eligibility.
2. Final Evaluation: Eligible applications are reviewed by the selection committee against predefined criteria to identify selected GENESIS–EiR fellows.
Evaluation is based on:
• Maturity and viability of the idea/startup,
• Scalability and market potential,
• Anticipated impact—particularly in emerging geographies,
• Alignment with the objectives of the GENESIS–EiR program.
Applicants will not be considered if:
• They are enrolled in another full-time incubation or entrepreneurship program (unless explicitly permitted by both programs).
• Their startup is engaged in unethical, illegal, or non-compliant business activities.
Yes. All information submitted is treated with strict confidentiality. Third-party evaluators and reviewers operate under legally binding Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and no-conflict declarations.
Yes. However, even if both ideas qualify, only one application per applicant will receive GENESIS–EiR support.