GENESIS Pilot Funding
A programme by AIC-BIMTECH
Funding for startups that already hold a pilot order from a corporate or public-sector buyer and need to deliver it.
At a glance
| Best for | Startups with a pilot order in hand from a corporate or PSU buyer |
|---|---|
| Stage | MVP – Early revenue |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | MeitY Startup Hub |
About GENESIS Pilot Funding
This is the second GENESIS component AIC-BIMTECH runs. It backs startups with a market-ready product to run a real pilot with a corporate, a public-sector undertaking or a large enterprise, so they come out with commercial traction rather than a demo. The centre frames it around electronics design and manufacturing, artificial intelligence and IT, and deep-tech and digital transformation. The first cohort is closed, with a waitlist for the next.
What you get
- Financial support for the pilot deployment and the validation work around it
- Strategic mentorship from industry experts and ecosystem partners
- Introductions to corporates, investors and government agencies
- Founder development sessions and technical support
Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised, registered as a private limited company or an LLP
- A functional prototype or MVP ready to deploy
- A viable business and commercialisation plan
- A pilot work order or purchase order already in hand from an eligible buyer
- A full-time founder or co-founder actively involved
- Startups previously supported under TIDE 2.0 or SAMRIDH are not eligible
How to apply: through the application form linked from the pilot funding page. It is closed between cohorts; join the waitlist there, or ask at team@aicbimtech.com.
Where to apply
Other AIC-BIMTECH programmes
- KhojA virtual pre-incubation programme for people with an idea, and the entry point to everything else the centre runs.
- PrarambhThe incubation step after Khoj, for startups that complete it — though the centre has not published a real description of it.
- GurukulThe accelerator for startups already earning revenue, focused on sales, operations and market expansion.
- UdaanA fundraising programme that puts founders in front of venture capital funds rather than teaching them.
- MeitY GENESIS — Entrepreneur in ResidenceThe electronics ministry's programme for early-stage founders outside the metros, delivered here as an entrepreneur-in-residence track.
- GENESIS Matching FundMatching investment, on a one-to-one basis, for Tier-II and Tier-III startups that have already raised from institutional investors.
- SAMRIDHMeitY's six-month accelerator for growth-stage technology startups, with matching investment alongside the centre's own investor network.
- Startup India Seed Fund SchemeThe national seed fund scheme, which AIC-BIMTECH was selected to disburse in 2021; its own window is currently closed.
- StartInUPUttar Pradesh's state startup scheme, applied for on the state portal with AIC-BIMTECH named as your incubation partner — the one route shown as open.
- MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0The MSME ministry's national idea competition, which the centre points founders towards; applications are closed.
- Stanford Seed SparkA paid, fully online entrepreneurship course from Stanford Seed that AIC-BIMTECH runs locally and screens applicants for.