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GENESIS Scheme (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups)

Central Scheme (All India) MSME & Industry Application Mode: ONLINE Active
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This profile has been independently compiled from official gazette notifications and verified web domains. Source Authority Link: meitystartuphub.in Authority: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) • State/Region: Central Scheme (All India) • Last Audited: 09 Sep 2026

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Central government scheme providing financial assistance up to ₹25 lakh, mentorship, and incubation support to technology startups based in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Detailed Summary

Objective

The GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) scheme aims to democratize the Indian startup ecosystem by extending structured support to entrepreneurs located outside major metropolitan centres. It addresses the infrastructure and capital access gap prevalent in smaller cities.

Key Components

  • Financial Grant: One-time grant-in-aid up to ₹25 lakh for Proof of Concept, prototype development, or market entry.
  • Incubation Support: Access to co-working space, lab facilities, and technical infrastructure at empaneled partner incubation centres.
  • Mentorship & Networking: Structured mentorship from industry experts, investor connect sessions, and market linkage facilitation.

Implementation

The scheme is implemented through the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) in collaboration with selected academic and private incubation centres across eligible cities. Funding is disbursed in milestone-linked tranches subject to monitoring by the Project Management Unit.

Key Benefits & Financial Assistance

Comparison Criteria Benefits
Key Benefits
  • Grant-in-aid up to ₹25,00,000 (Rupees Twenty Five Lakh Only) per startup for product development, validation, and early scaling.
  • Physical incubation infrastructure including co-working space, high-speed internet, and access to specialized labs at partner centres.
  • Structured mentorship program covering technology validation, business modelling, IPR strategy, and fundraising.
  • Market access support through industry connect events, government procurement platforms (GeM), and investor introductions.
  • Cloud credits and software tool access via MeitY Startup Hub partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria Profile

Comparison Criteria Eligibility
Minimum Age Limit 18 Years or above
Occupation Status Self-Employed
Domicile State All India (Central Scheme)

Application Process Guide

  1. Register on the MeitY Startup Hub portal (https://meitystartuphub.in) and complete startup profile with DPIIT recognition number.
  2. Verify eligibility against GENESIS scheme guidelines and select preferred partner incubation centre from the empaneled list.
  3. Fill the online application form detailing problem statement, technology innovation, business model, team composition, and fund utilization plan.
  4. Upload mandatory documents: Certificate of Incorporation, DPIIT Recognition Certificate, PAN/GST, Audited Financials/ITR, Pitch Deck, and Address Proof of registered office in Tier-2/3 city.
  5. Application undergoes screening by MSH, followed by evaluation by the Partner Incubation Centre's Selection Committee (technical and commercial due diligence).
  6. Shortlisted startups present before the Apex Selection Committee at MeitY Startup Hub for final approval.
  7. Upon selection, execute Grant Agreement with the Partner Incubation Centre; funds released in 2-3 tranches linked to agreed milestones and quarterly progress reports.

Common FAQs regarding this Yojana

Yes, provided the startup relocates its base operations to an empaneled GENESIS partner incubation centre located in a Tier-2 or Tier-3 city upon selection. The scheme mandates physical incubation at a designated partner centre.

The grant is equity-free. The Government of India does not acquire any equity, shareholding, or intellectual property rights in the startup against this grant-in-aid.

Cities with a population of less than 10 lakh (1 million) as per the 2011 Census are classified as Tier-2 or Tier-3 for GENESIS. Metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad) and their urban agglomerations are explicitly excluded.

Application is submitted via the MSH portal, but final selection requires mapping to an empaneled partner incubation centre. The centre's Selection Committee evaluates the startup before forwarding recommendations to the Apex Committee. Prior informal engagement with a partner centre is advisable.

Typically, 40% on signing agreement, 30% on achieving technical milestone (prototype/PoC validation), and 30% on commercial milestone (pilot launch/revenue generation). Exact milestones are defined in the Grant Agreement signed with the Partner Incubation Centre.