GENESIS
Pilot 2.0

Funding support of up to ₹40 lakh per startup against eligible Pilot Purchase Orders (POs) / Work Orders (WOs), helping innovative solutions move closer to real-world deployment and adoption.

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Last Day to Apply: October 30, 2026

Overview

The MeitY GENESIS Pilot initiative empowers startups, especially those from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, to validate and demonstrate their market-ready innovations through real-world pilot projects with corporates, PSUs, and large enterprises. By facilitating structured pilot engagements, the program helps startups gain credibility, revenue traction, and market validation, while encouraging corporates and PSUs to explore and adopt emerging technologies. It further strengthens industry-startup collaboration in areas such as ICT, AI, electronic manufacturing, and deeptech products. 

As an Implementing Agency (IA), AIC ISB offers startups strategic guidance and access to the right connections, bridging the critical gap between a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and commercialisation. Through this program, we aim to help startups deliver their pilots successfully, make their products industry-ready, and convert pilots into repeat business.

  • Funding of up to ₹40 lakh, based on the verified cost of delivering your Pilot PO/WO
  • Equity allotted to the IA on behalf of MSH
  • The equity is capped at 3% of fully diluted post-money shareholding.
  • Fund Disbursement may take 4-5 months from Call of Application

Pilot Funding: Up to INR 40 lakhs

To enable startups, from Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities, to validate and demonstrate their market-ready solutions through pilot projects with corporates, PSUs, and large enterprises.

Apply Now

Focus Areas

Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

DeepTech and Advanced Emerging Technologies

Eligibility Criteria

  • DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city, 1-5 years old, with Indian founders holding at least 51%.
  • An MVP or working prototype, and at least one full-time founder.
  • A Pilot PO/WO of ₹1 lakh–₹1 crore from an eligible, independent Pilot Partner, covering deployment of the startup’s own product.
  • Cumulative revenue up to ₹1.5 crore.
  • Prior government funding up to ₹40 lakh and prior private funding up to ₹1.5 crore.
  • Beneficiaries of TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up), SAMRIDH or the GENESIS Investment Component, and startups in an ongoing GENESIS EIR cohort, are not eligible.
  • MSH & MeitY reserve the right to amend or modify the selection procedure, as deemed necessary.
  • The decision of the Expert Committee shall be final.

Program Offerings

Pilot Funding Support

Access funding of up to ₹40 lakhs to execute pilot projects with corporates, PSUs, or large enterprises, helping validate your innovation in real-world conditions.

Strategic Mentorship & Guidance

Receive one-on-one mentorship from ISB’s network of successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts to refine your business model, go-to-market strategy, and pilot execution plan.

Capacity Building & Founder Development

Participate in targeted capacity-building sessions designed to strengthen your leadership, operations, and market-readiness, addressing the unique challenges faced by startups from emerging regions.

Corporate & Investor Connections

Gain facilitated access to corporates, PSUs, investors, and ecosystem enablers, creating opportunities for partnerships, procurement, and long-term commercial engagements.

Infrastructure & Technical Support

Leverage prototyping labs, co-working spaces, and expert sessions to enhance your product’s design, usability, and market readiness.

1:1 Need Assessment

Undergo a personalized one-on-one Need Assessment with AIC ISB’s program team & external Subject Matter Experts to identify growth gaps, refine pilot objectives, and co-create a 6 - 12 month strategic roadmap for sustainable scale-up.

Contact Us

[email protected] / [email protected]