AIC ISB

The Pilot Component under the MeitY GENESIS initiative empowers startups, especially those from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, to validate and demonstrate their market-ready innovations through real-world pilot projects with corporates, PSUs, and large enterprises. Pilot Funding: Up to INR 40 lakhs. Focus Areas: Electronic Design and Manufacturing (EDM), Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology and Deeptech products driving digital transformation. Eligibility Criteria: Must be DPIIT-recognized and registered as a Private Limited or LLP entity, have a working prototype or MVP ready for pilot implementation, possess a viable business plan, have a full-time founder/co-founder, have a Pilot work order/ Purchase order from eligible corporate/PSU/unicorn, and not be a beneficiary of TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up) or SAMRIDH programs. Funding is typically disbursed in milestone-based tranches or one/two installments, depending on the project scope and approval by the Expert Committee, facilitated through the Enabling Partner (AIC ISB) after the signing of a tripartite agreement.

The GENESIS-Matching Fund Program empowers entrepreneurs to scale by providing a matching fund contribution of up to ₹50 Lakhs to startups that have raised capital from institutional investors. Funding is a 1:1 matching grant ranging from up to 50 lakhs based on external funds raised (government grants are not considered). The funding instrument is equity. Focus Areas: Tech-based products/software in domains like Deep-tech, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, IoT, Blockchain, Fintech, Ed-tech, or Health-tech. Eligibility Criteria: Must be a registered Indian entity (Private Limited Company) with at least 51% Indian ownership, registered in a Tier-II or Tier-III city, have a valid DPIIT certificate, have a market-ready product and preferably be revenue-generating, preferably have granted patents, not be involved in any legal disputes, and cannot be a startup previously supported under the TIDE 2.0 (Scale up) or Samridh schemes. Only funds received from institutional investors are considered eligible; government grants are not counted as matching funds. Startups must have actually received the funds in their bank account from institutional investors.

The NIDHI Accelerator is designed to nurture and fast-track promising, innovation-driven startups by offering structured mentoring, access to funding, and market linkages. The program specifically targets ventures that have achieved initial market validation and are poised for growth and scale. This edition focuses on startups working in the agriculture sector. Eligibility: Minimum 1 year from incorporation, Early revenue stage ventures with scalability potential. Focus Area: Agriculture, including sub-themes like Precision Agriculture & Farm Management, Sustainable & Regenerative Agriculture, Supply Chain & Market Linkages, Post-Harvest & Value Addition, Agri Data & Intelligence, Robotics, Agri-Fintech & Insurance. Offers grant support of up to Rs 5,00,000 for Top 3 startups.