GENESIS Idea World Competition 2026
By Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
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Quick Answer
A national idea-stage innovation competition by MeitY Startup Hub for students, aspiring founders, and young innovators to present impactful ideas and win cash prizes.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹50,000
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 2d — 13 Oct 2026
- Eligible stage
- Idea
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this competition
The GENESIS Idea World is a national-level innovation competition designed to unearth and champion groundbreaking ideas from India's brightest minds. Organized by MeitY Startup Hub, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Government of India), this program aims to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit by encouraging students, aspiring founders, and young innovators to transform their early-stage concepts into viable solutions. It provides a unique platform for participants to showcase their original ideas, focusing on real-world problem-solving and potential for meaningful impact, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
This competition emphasizes the power of a simple idea as the genesis of every successful startup. Whether an idea is a nascent thought, a sketched concept, or a detailed plan, GENESIS Idea World offers the crucial first step for innovators to bring their visions to life. Participants are encouraged to articulate a clear problem statement and propose a compelling solution or an improved approach that addresses current challenges.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the Government of India ministry for electronics and information technology. Its startup programmes are run through MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), the office founders deal with, which sits at Electronics Niketan, CGO…
Learn moreKarnavati Innovation and Incubation Foundation (KIIF) is the incubator of Karnavati University, on the university's campus at Uvarsad in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It calls itself a design-business incubator that brings design, technology and business together, and says it works with…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹50,000
What You Get
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 for winning ideas to help kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. This non-repayable award provides initial capital for further idea development and validation.
Participants also gain an invaluable opportunity to present their innovative ideas at the prestigious GENESIS NEXTGEN Startup Summit in Gandhinagar. This summit offers unparalleled exposure to a curated audience of experienced startup founders, active investors, seasoned mentors, and influential ecosystem leaders. Such direct engagement facilitates critical feedback, potential partnerships, and avenues for further funding. Beyond the financial incentive, the program provides significant recognition and a platform to accelerate the development of ideas towards tangible implementation and societal impact, fostering an environment of innovation and growth.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are initially screened for originality, potential impact, and clarity in identifying a real-world problem and proposed solution. A selection committee comprising experts from MeitY Startup Hub and partners will review submissions to shortlist candidates. These shortlisted innovators will then be invited to present their ideas at the GENESIS NEXTGEN Startup Summit, where a final evaluation will determine the prize winners based on factors such as innovation, feasibility, and presentation quality.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Idea
Applicants submit their original idea through the online portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GENESIS Idea World Competition?
It is a national-level innovation competition organized by MeitY Startup Hub, inviting students, aspiring founders, and young innovators to submit their impactful ideas for real-world problems. Selected ideas get to present at the GENESIS NEXTGEN Startup Summit.
Who is eligible to apply for the competition?
The competition is open to students, innovators, and aspiring founders from across India. The focus is on idea-stage submissions, and no prior company incorporation is required.
What kind of ideas should be submitted?
Participants should submit original ideas that identify a real-world problem and propose a clear solution or improved approach with the potential to create meaningful impact.
What are the benefits of participating?
Participants have the chance to win cash prizes of up to ₹50,000 and gain the unique opportunity to present their ideas at the GENESIS NEXTGEN Startup Summit in Gandhinagar. This provides significant exposure to startup founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders, alongside valuable recognition.
What is the application deadline for GENESIS Idea World?
Idea submissions close on October 13, 2026.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
