The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through MeitY Startup Hub, has launched the third cohort of its GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) programme.
The initiative offers aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators financial support of up to Rs 10 lakh, along with incubation and expert mentorship.
GENESIS EIR 3.0 was launched on August 4 at the GENESIS NextGen Startup Summit in Coimbatore. Applications are open until September 3, 2026.
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GENESIS EIR 3.0 Opens Applications for Early-Stage Innovators
The programme is part of GENESIS, or Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups, a government initiative aimed at identifying and supporting technology startups, particularly those emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Selected applicants will receive up to Rs 10 lakh through participating GENESIS incubators. The support is intended to help innovators move from an early idea towards a working product and, eventually, a viable business.
In addition to funding, participants will have access to incubation facilities, one-to-one mentorship, and expert guidance. Support will cover product development, minimum viable product (MVP) creation, prototyping, technology validation, business development and commercialisation.
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Who Can Apply for MeitY’s Rs 10 Lakh Startup Support?
The programme is open to Indian citizens including:
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovators
- Researchers
- Students
- Founders
- Co-founders of early-stage startups.
Applicants must be developing technologies in areas including deep technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning, Internet of Things, semiconductors and very-large-scale integration (VLSI), cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum technologies, and augmented reality/virtual reality, spatial and immersive technologies.
The programme covers Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 4, ranging from ideation and proof of concept to prototypes, MVPs and early validation.
For incorporated startups, the company must be less than two years old on the application date and be based in a Tier-II or Tier-III city. Applicants must also not have received more than Rs 10 lakh in government financial assistance for the same proposed idea or startup.
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Programme Targets Tier-II and Tier-III Tech Startups
The Coimbatore summit brought together startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, academia, industry representatives and ecosystem partners. MeitY Startup Hub chief executive officer Panneerselvam Madanagopal formally launched the programme in the presence of Coimbatore district collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar and Rathinam Global University chancellor Madan A. Senthil.
GENESIS EIR 3.0 combines early funding and hands-on support, with a clear focus on advancing technology ideas from smaller Indian cities towards validation and commercialisation.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
