MeitY GENESIS Pilot 2.0
A programme by Atal Incubation Centre (Atal Incubation Centre)
Pilot funding for startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities that have a pilot purchase order or work order, with equity allotted to the implementing agency.
At a glance
| Best for | Tier-II and Tier-III startups with a pilot order from a corporate, PSU or large enterprise |
|---|---|
| Stage | MVP – Early revenue |
| Cost | Takes equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | MeitY Startup Hub |
About MeitY GENESIS Pilot 2.0
GENESIS Pilot supports startups from Tier-II and Tier-III cities to validate market-ready products through real pilot projects with corporates, PSUs and large enterprises. AIC ISB is the implementing agency. The programme page shows an application deadline of October 30, 2026.
What you get
- Funding support against an eligible pilot purchase order or work order, based on the verified cost of delivering the pilot.
- Equity is allotted to the implementing agency on behalf of MSH. Disbursement can take four to five months from the call.
- One-on-one mentoring, a need assessment and a 6 to 12 month scale-up roadmap.
- Introductions to corporates, PSUs and investors, and access to prototyping labs.
Who can apply
- DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated in a Tier-II or Tier-III city, one to five years old, with Indian founders holding at least 51 percent.
- An MVP or working prototype and at least one full-time founder.
- A pilot purchase order or work order from an independent pilot partner.
How to apply: use the Apply Now link on the programme page before the deadline.
Where to apply
Other AIC programmes
- NIDHI-Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)A 12-month fellowship for science and engineering graduates building a technology-based startup, run with AIC ISB as a NIDHI programme partner.
- MeitY GENESIS EIR 3.0 (GENESIS-EIR Cohort 3)Physical incubation at the ISB Mohali campus and a MeitY-backed grant for early-stage innovators in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
- GENESIS Matching FundA matching contribution for Tier-II and Tier-III startups that have raised capital from institutional investors.
- NIDHI Accelerator (Agri cohort)An agriculture-focused accelerator for early-revenue startups, with mentoring, pilots, market linkages and grant support for the top three startups.