GENESIS Pilot 2.0 – MeitY Startup Hub
By Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
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Quick Answer
Supports DPIIT-recognised startups from Tier 2/3 cities to deploy pilots with government, PSUs, or large enterprises, offering up to ₹40 lakh funding and strategic support for market readiness.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹40 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Equity
- Application deadline
- 26d — 29 Oct 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
The GENESIS Pilot 2.0 program, an initiative by the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), is designed to empower promising startups from India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It specifically targets startups that have secured a pilot Purchase Order (PO) or Work Order (WO) from a government body, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), or a large enterprise. The primary objective is to provide crucial financial and strategic support to help these startups successfully execute their pilot projects, validate their innovative products in real-world settings, and mature their solutions towards industry readiness. By facilitating successful pilot deployments, the scheme aims to build market credibility for these startups, attract further investment, and ultimately enable them to convert initial pilot engagements into long-term commercial relationships and repeat business. This strategic intervention is vital for bridging the gap between product development (MVP stage) and large-scale commercialization, fostering a robust startup ecosystem beyond major metropolitan areas.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Overview MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) is the startup-focused initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It serves as the central coordination platform linking incubation centres, accelerators, investors, and corporates to…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹40 Lakhs
What You Get
Selected startups will receive up to ₹40 lakh in funding. This financial support is disbursed on a milestone-based system, directly linked to the verified costs of delivering the pilot project as per the Purchase Order or Work Order. In exchange for this funding, an equity stake capped at 3% of the fully diluted post-money shareholding will be allotted to the Implementing Agency on behalf of MeitY Startup Hub. Beyond capital, the program offers significant non-financial benefits including enhanced product validation through real-world deployment, critical market credibility gained from working with government, PSUs, or large enterprises, and improved investor readiness. Startups also benefit from enterprise connect, facilitating networking and potential future business opportunities.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the GENESIS Pilot 2.0 program is multi-layered and rigorous to ensure that only the most promising and impactful startups are supported. Initially, all applications are thoroughly screened internally by the Implementing Agency to check for completeness and initial eligibility. Subsequently, applications are forwarded for a comprehensive MSH-level screening, where they are evaluated against criteria such as the startup's readiness, the innovation of their product, the potential impact of the pilot, and the strength of their team. The final decision rests with the MeitY Expert Committee, which comprises leading experts from industry, academia, and government. This committee performs a detailed review and approves proposals based on technical feasibility, market potential, and alignment with the national strategic priorities for technology and innovation. The decision of this Expert Committee is final and binding.
Application Process
- 1
Call for Proposals
The program officially announces the call for applications and invites startups to submit their proposals.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pilot projects does GENESIS Pilot 2.0 support?
The program supports pilot deployments of a startup's own product with a Purchase Order or Work Order from a Government body, PSU, or a large enterprise, focusing on real-world validation and commercialization.
What is the maximum funding a startup can receive?
Startups can receive up to ₹40 lakh in funding, based on the verified cost of delivering their pilot project.
Is equity taken in exchange for funding?
Yes, an equity stake capped at 3% of the fully diluted post-money shareholding is allotted to the Implementing Agency on behalf of the MeitY Startup Hub.
What are the key eligibility criteria for startups?
Eligible startups must be DPIIT-recognised, incorporated in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city, 1-5 years old, with Indian founders holding at least 51% equity, have an MVP or working prototype, and a pilot PO/WO between ₹1 lakh and ₹1 crore.
Are there any restrictions on prior funding or revenue?
Yes, cumulative revenue must be up to ₹1.5 crore, prior government funding up to ₹40 lakh, and prior private funding up to ₹1.5 crore.
What are the benefits beyond financial support?
Beyond funding, startups gain product validation, market credibility, investor readiness, and valuable enterprise connections, helping them bridge the gap to commercialization.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
