GENESIS Investment Program
A programme by IIT Mandi Catalyst
A six-month, equity-based matching-grant programme for Tier-II/III startups with a validated solution, raising external investment.
At a glance
| Best for | Tier-II/III startups with a validated solution, raising investment |
|---|---|
| Stage | Growth |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Format | Hybrid |
| Cost | Takes equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | MeitY |
About GENESIS Investment Program
The GENESIS Investment component helps startups with a validated solution and proof of concept raise investment and scale, connecting them with customers, investors and markets over a structured six-month programme (covering design thinking and product-market fit; go-to-market and unit economics; scalable technology and compliance; customer segmentation and valuation; fundraising documentation; and a closing demo day and investor connect).
What you get
- A matching grant tied to external funds the startup has already raised, taken as equity — government grants are not counted toward the match
- Monthly one-to-one business and technology mentoring
- Support preparing investor-readiness documents such as a cap table, shareholders' agreement and term sheet
- Investor connections, both virtual and in person
Who can apply
- Registered Indian private limited company, at least 51% Indian ownership
- Registered in a Tier-II or Tier-III city
- Holds a valid DPIIT certificate
- Working on a technology-based product or software
Where to apply
Other IIT Mandi Catalyst programmes
- Ignite ProgramAn idea-stage incubation programme that runs founders through mentoring and workshops to validate a concept before moving into deeper incubation.
- Exploration ProgramA prototype-stage programme that helps founders move from a working prototype to a refined, market-ready product.
- Investment Readiness ProgramPrepares commercialization-stage startups to pitch and raise, with continued support for months after the programme ends.
- NIDHI-EIRA DST-funded monthly stipend for aspiring entrepreneurs pursuing a technology business idea full-time.
- NIDHI-PrayasA DST/NSTEDB prototype-development grant for hardware startups already physically incubated at Catalyst.
- NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System)DST/NSTEDB seed funding for startups moving into product development and commercialization.
- Him Startup Yojana (HIMSUP)An HPCED-funded seed scheme for Himachal Pradesh's youth and existing or potential entrepreneurs.
- MeitY TIDE 2.0 (Grant)A MeitY prototyping grant for startups with a proof of concept in electronics, communication and other national-priority sectors.
- MeitY TIDE 2.0 (EIR)A MeitY entrepreneur-in-residence track for individuals and students validating an idea to proof of concept.
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)DPIIT's seed fund for proof of concept, prototype development, market-entry and commercialization.
- CPS-PrayasAn idea-to-prototype grant for HCI-focused innovators, run through IIT Mandi's iHub and HCI Foundation.
- CPS-Seed Support Scheme (SSS)Seed support for HCI-track startups already incubated at Catalyst for at least three months, moving toward commercialization.
- CPS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR)A monthly-stipend EIR track for individuals exploring a business idea full-time, through IIT Mandi's iHub and HCI Foundation.
- CPS-Accelerator ProgramA short, competitive accelerator for revenue-stage HCI startups, run through IIT Mandi's iHub and HCI Foundation.
- Sustenance AllowanceAn HPCED-funded monthly living allowance for incubated startups that already have a fully developed prototype.
- MeitY GENESIS EIRA MeitY GENESIS entrepreneur-in-residence track for first-generation entrepreneurs and students, particularly from Tier-II/III cities.
- Pilot Program - GENESIS SchemeFunds startups, particularly from Tier-II/III cities, running a pilot with a corporate, PSU or unicorn partner.