MeitY GENESIS Pilot Funding

The pilot component of MeitY's GENESIS initiative pays for a startup to actually execute a pilot project with a large customer, bridging the gap between an MVP and commercial sales. AIC ISB is a programme partner and the enabling partner that handles disbursement. The last call closed on 10 November 2025, so this one is between intakes.

What you get

• Funding to execute a pilot with a corporate, PSU or large enterprise
• One-on-one mentorship from ISB's network of entrepreneurs, industry leaders and experts on business model, go-to-market and pilot execution
• Capacity-building sessions on leadership, operations and market readiness
• Facilitated access to corporates, PSUs, investors and ecosystem enablers
• Prototyping labs, co-working space and expert sessions
• A one-on-one need assessment with the AIC ISB team and outside experts, producing a six to twelve month roadmap

Who can apply

• DPIIT-recognised startups registered as a Private Limited company or LLP
• A working prototype or MVP ready to be piloted
• A viable business plan and a full-time founder or co-founder
• A pilot work order or purchase order already in hand. The issuer must be a central ministry, department or autonomous body, a state government department or undertaking, a PSU, a Fortune 500 company or a recognised unicorn, and must meet a minimum turnover in its last audited year and have been operating at least five years
• Not a beneficiary of TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up) or SAMRIDH

How selection works: applications are screened and evaluated after the call closes, then go through due diligence and onboarding. An expert committee approves the funding, which is released in milestone-based tranches once a tripartite agreement is signed between the startup, AIC ISB and the corporate.

How to apply: through the application form linked from the programme page when the next call opens. Questions go to contact@aicisb.org.