Pilot Program - GENESIS Scheme
A programme by IIT Mandi Catalyst
Funds startups, particularly from Tier-II/III cities, running a pilot with a corporate, PSU or unicorn partner.
At a glance
| Best for | Tier-II/III startups with an MVP and an existing corporate pilot order |
|---|---|
| Stage | MVP |
| Cost | Takes equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | MeitY |
About Pilot Program - GENESIS Scheme
The GENESIS Pilot component helps startups validate and demonstrate market-ready solutions through pilot projects with corporates, PSUs and large enterprises, bridging the gap between an MVP and commercialization.
What you get
- Milestone-based or tranche-based funding for the pilot
- Support from Enabling Partners: access to labs, prototyping equipment and workspace; periodic mentoring by domain, business and IP experts; business connects with corporates, investors and government agencies; and compliance and documentation support
Who can apply
- DPIIT-registered startup
- Working in ICT-related domains: IT and AI, electronic design and manufacturing, or deeptech products
- Has an MVP or working prototype, a viable business plan, and a full-time founder or co-founder
- Already holds a pilot work order or purchase order from an eligible corporate, PSU or unicorn
- Must not already be a beneficiary of TIDE 2.0 scale-up or SAMRIDH
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.
- GENESIS Investment ProgramA six-month, equity-based matching-grant programme for Tier-II/III startups with a validated solution, raising external investment.