Inviting Applications for the MeitY GENESIS PILOT 2.0 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. 

MEITY GENESIS PILOT 2.0

The Pilot Component under the GENESIS Scheme is designed to empower startups, especially those from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, to validate and showcase their market-ready solutions through pilot projects with corporates and public sector undertakings (PSUs). By facilitating structured pilot engagements, this component creates opportunities for startups to access industry, gain essential credibility, and generate early revenue traction.

Objectives:
• Bridge the gap between Minimum Viable Product and commercialization, allowing startups to transition innovative prototypes into real-world applications with support from corporates and PSUs.
• Provide startups with essential credibility and early revenue traction by enabling pilot projects and demonstration opportunities within the industry ecosystem.
• Encourage corporates and PSUs to engage with emerging technologies from the Indian startup ecosystem, driving digital adoption and innovation transfer.
• Strengthen collaboration between industry and startups in domains like ICT, artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing, and deeptech, ensuring robust development and deployment of new solutions.
• Align with the GENESIS vision of digitization, inclusivity, employment generation, and economic growth, helping startups contribute meaningfully to India’s digital future. 

The Pilot Component of the GENESIS Scheme supports startups from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities that hold a pilot Purchase Order or Work Order (PO/WO) from a Government body, PSU or large enterprise. It helps them deliver that pilot successfully, make their product industry-ready, and turn the pilot into repeat business.

• Funding of up to ₹40 lakh, based on the verified cost of delivering your Pilot Purchase Order/Work Order (PO/WO).
• Equity allocated to the IA on behalf of MSH
• The equity is capped at 3% of fully diluted post-money shareholding.
• Fund Disbursement may take 4-5 months from Call of Application

a. DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city, 1-5 years old startup, with Indian founders holding at least 51%.
b. An MVP or working prototype, and at least one full-time founder.
c. A Pilot PO/WO of ₹1 lakh – ₹1 crore from an eligible, independent Pilot Partner, covering deployment of the startup’s own product.
d. Startup cumulative revenue not more than ₹1.5 crore.
e. Startup prior government funding not more then ₹40 lakh and prior private funding not more than ₹1.5 crore.
f. Beneficiaries of TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up), SAMRIDH or the GENESIS Investment Component, and startups in an ongoing GENESIS EIR cohort, are not eligible.
g. YouthNet, MSH & MeitY reserve the right to amend or modify the selection procedure, as deemed necessary.
h. The decision of the Expert Committee shall be final.

a. Central/State Government Ministries, Departments, Organisations or Undertakings; Autonomous Bodies; PSUs; Fortune 500 companies; Unicorns; or any other reputed organisation/enterprise
b. Minimum ₹75 crore in the last audited financial year. Not applicable to Government Ministries/Departments
c. At least 5 years of operations.
d. Must not be a Related Party of the startup, its founders/promoters, or the IA/its team

PO/WO (Purchase Order/Work Order)
• Document: Binding PO/WO signed by an authorised signatory, stating scope, deliverables, value, duration and payment terms. Government/PSU GeM orders or competent-authority sanction/award letters with defined deliverables and value are accepted.
• Submission: LoI/MoU accepted at application; binding PO/WO required before the MSH EC meeting.
• Validity: Dated within three months before the call opens, with at least three months of delivery remaining.
• Scope: Deployment of the startup’s own MVP, prototype or product; resale and pure manpower services excluded.
• Value: ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore.
• Funding: No support for the same pilot under another Central or State Government scheme/initiative.

• Funding: Up to ₹40 lakh, based on verified pilot delivery costs in the utilisation plan. IA recommends; MSH finalises.
• Equity: Capped at 3% of fully diluted post-money shareholding, allotted to the IA in its name for MSH’s benefit as beneficial owner.
• Valuation: Fair value per share determined by a SEBI-registered Merchant Banker or IBBI registered Valuer, with a report dated within six months before application.
• Exit: Within a maximum of five years, with MSH approval, through secondary sale, buy-back, a subsequent funding round, strategic sale or IPO.