GENESIS
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Cohort 3

Get access to Grant up to
INR 10 Lakhs

Applications close September 03, 2026

About the Program

Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS) by MeitY is a transformative initiative to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. It consolidates existing startup schemes, offers targeted funding for early-stage and deep-tech ventures, and supports incubators through capacity-building efforts. GENESIS aims to foster innovation, nurture talent, and create a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for tech startups across emerging regions.

The GENESIS-EIR program is designed to support early-stage innovators and startups from Tier-II and Tier-III cities working in electronics, information technology, ICT and DeepTech. Through structured incubation and mentorship support, the program helps entrepreneurs with the development of ideas, Proof of Concept (PoC), prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

As one of the MSH empanelled GENESIS incubators, AIC ISB provides incubation, mentorship, ecosystem access, networking opportunities, and financial assistance.

Grant Support: Up to INR 10 lakhs

Financial assistance of up to INR 10 lakh per selected EIR, subject to approval and sanction. The grant is released in two tranches of 50% each.

Tranche 1 is linked to onboarding, incubation and completion of prescribed documentation.
Tranche 2 is linked to achievement of agreed milestones, recommendation by AIC ISB, and submission of utilisation and progress documents.

Note: Release of any tranche is subject to availability of funds, compliance with applicable conditions, and approval by the competent authority.

Focus Areas

Electronic Design and Manufacturing
DeepTech Software and Products
ICT
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
Internet of Things (IoT)
VLSI / Semiconductor
Cybersecurity
Blockchain
Quantum Computing
AR / VR / Spatial and Immersive Technologies
Other technology-led innovations

Application Process

Apply on the MeitY Startup Hub portal using the link before September 03 2026.
From the MSH Empanelled GENESIS incubator list, select ‘AIC ISB Association’ as Preference 1.
Preference 1 is fixed once you submit and cannot be changed.
If your Preference 1 incubator does not shortlist you in Round 1, your application is automatically routed to Preference 2 for a fresh review.
If neither preference shortlists you, the application is treated as not selected for the cohort.
You can be onboarded with only one incubator. You cannot avail EIR support through more than one incubator at the same time.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant Eligibility

Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
Who can apply: Early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs, or founders and co-founders of a startup. If you have a registered entity, the date of incorporation must not exceed two years as on the date of application.
Location: The startup should be based in a Tier-II or Tier-III city.
Commitment: Selected EIRs are physically incubated at AIC ISB, ISB Mohali campus, for the duration of the EIR tenure.
DPIIT recognition: Optional. Where a startup holds DPIIT recognition, it will be verified during screening.

2. Innovation Eligibility

Stage: Your innovation should sit at TRL-1 to TRL-4. That covers ideation, concept development, validation and problem-solution fit, proof of concept, prototyping, or a working prototype.
Plan: You should have a realistic plan to take the innovation forward during the EIR tenure.
Domain: Your innovation should be technology-led, in electronics, IT, ICT or DeepTech.

3. Funding and Prior Support

You must not have been previously supported under the GENESIS EIR Program or an overlapping MeitY scheme.
You must not have received financial assistance exceeding INR 10 lakh under any Government scheme for the same proposed idea or startup.

Program Benefits

Elevating Journey

EIRs receive continuous handholding and incubation support to advance their entrepreneurial journey, including assistance in applying for additional funding programs, driving growth in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Prototyping

Access to AIC ISB’s Makerspace for product development, prototyping, testing, and expert guidance from partners, empowering entrepreneurs in emerging regions.

Anchor Mentor

Every selected EIR is assigned a dedicated Anchor Mentor who works with you through the tenure on technical and business milestones.

Co-working Space

EIRs work in a collaborative, open environment with essential amenities.

Capacity Building

Tailored support and training programs designed to enhance EIRs' core skills, expand their capabilities, and help them overcome the unique challenges of emerging markets.

Networking Opportunities

EIRs gain access to AIC ISB’s networking events, connecting them with investors, industry experts, fellow entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to foster valuable partnerships in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Cohort 3 Timeline

Stage 1

Call for Applications

Stage 2

Screening and shortlisting

Stage 3

Evaluation Committee pitches and scoring

Stage 4

Review and approval by MeitY Startup Hub

Stage 5

Results, onboarding and incubation agreements

Stage 6

Sanction letters and fund release process

Stage 7

Disbursement to selected startups

Aug 04 - Sep 03, 2026

Sep 04 - 18, 2026

Sep 19 - Oct 03, 2026

Oct 04-10, 2026

Oct 11-15, 2026

Oct 16-20, 2026

From Oct 21, 2026

Note: Timelines are as notified by MSH and are subject to revision.

Portfolio

FAQs

What is GENESIS-EIR?

GENESIS by MeitY boosts the startup ecosystem in Tier-II and Tier-III cities by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to turn ideas into viable ventures.

What documents are required for EIR support at the time of application?

Completely filled Application form given in link above.
In case of Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST), caste certificate from valid government department

Can final year students or PhD pursuing students apply for the program?

Applicants must be full-time UG/PG students with entrepreneurial pursuits or founders/co-founders of DPIIT-registered startups (≤ 2 years old). For PhD students, if they are getting fellowship from their institution, then they are not eligible. Please refer to the eligibility section to know more.

Can I get GENESIS EIR while pursuing a job or some other business?

No, the support is for full time working entrepreneurs only. Please refer to the eligibility section to know more.

What is the selection process?

Applications are submitted on the MeitY Startup Hub portal. In Round 1, AIC ISB verifies eligibility and shortlists applicants. In Round 2, shortlisted startups pitch to an Evaluation Committee comprising empanelled experts, an AIC ISB representative and the MSH team, who score independently on the portal. MSH then reviews the recommendations and approves the final list.

How will applications be evaluated?

The Evaluation Committee scores each application out of 100 marks across eight parameters: Problem-Solution Fit and Innovation, Technology Readiness and Feasibility, Market Relevance and Scalability, Founder and Team Commitment, Business and Revenue Model Clarity, Social and Regional Impact, Pitch Quality and Funding Ask Justification, and IP and Differentiation.

What is the criteria for exclusion from this program?

Individuals currently enrolled in other full-time incubation/entrepreneurship schemes or programs, unless permitted by both programs.
Startups involved in unethical, illegal, or non-compliant business activities.

Is the information provided by me kept confidential?

Absolutely, we maintain the confidentiality of all the applications we receive under different schemes. All third-party reviewers sign non-disclosure and no-conflict agreements before viewing the applications.

Can I submit two applications for two different ideas under one call?

Yes, but only one will be finally provided GENESIS-EiR support, if selected.

Do I need to be DPIIT-registered to apply?

No. DPIIT recognition is optional for Cohort 3. Where a startup does hold DPIIT recognition, it will be verified during eligibility screening.

What does Preference 1 and Preference 2 mean?

You can nominate up to two incubators when you apply. Preference 1 is your primary choice and is fixed once you submit. If Preference 1 does not shortlist you, your application is routed to Preference 2 for a fresh Round 1 review. To be considered by AIC ISB first, select AIC ISB as your Preference 1.