GENESIS EiR
Grant support up to ₹10 Lakhs for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop breakthrough technology innovations.
Last Date: Applications Closed
About the Program
GENESIS Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Cohort 2.0 is MeitY’s flagship initiative to empower early-stage innovators and startup founders. The program is designed to support first-generation entrepreneurs and student innovators with grant funding, incubation, and mentorship for their technology-led entrepreneurial journey. EiR provides up to ₹10 Lakhs in grant support, expert guidance, and physical incubation, helping founders move from ideation to working prototype and solution validation.
Deshpande Startups partners with this initiative, offering an enabling ecosystem, regional expertise, and proven startup support for innovators across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Ready to Launch Your Startup Idea?
Take your first step towards building your dream venture with government-backed support. The Deshpande Startups team is ready to guide you through the EiR application and incubation process.
To know more, reach out to:
meitygenesis@dfmail.org
Eligibility Criteria
Entrepreneur Eligibility
- Indian citizen, aged 18 years or above at the time of application
- First-generation entrepreneur, working full-time on the proposed startup idea during the EiR program
- Individual innovator, full-time UG/PG student with entrepreneurial pursuits, or founder of a DPIIT-registered startup (not older than 2 years)
Startup/Innovator Eligibility
- Startup stage: Ideation, Concept Development, Validation (Problem-Solution Fit), Proof of Concept (PoC), or Prototyping/Working Prototype
- No significant external funding exceeding ₹10 Lakhs, including government grants
- EiR must be physically incubated at Deshpande Startups center
- Not onboarded with any other GENESIS Scheme Enabling Partner at the time of application
Legal, Regional, & Originality Criteria
- Incorporated entities: Private Limited Company, LLP, or registered partnership firm under Indian law (not older than 2 years)
- Priority given to startups and entrepreneurs from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to promote regional innovation
- Original, non-duplicated ideas—not involving plagiarism or copy of existing products/services
- Must align with GENESIS objectives: promoting technology entrepreneurship, creating jobs, fostering regional innovation, and supporting sustainable growth
What's in it for you?
Grant Support
Receive up to ₹10 Lakhs grant funding to build, validate, and scale technology-driven solutions for India’s emerging needs.
Incubation & Mentorship
Benefit from on-site incubation, expert mentoring, and industry-specific support with access to technical, business, and market guidance.
Community & Networking
Join a vibrant ecosystem at Deshpande Startups, connect with peer founders, and gain exposure to domain experts.
Market Validation & Growth
Validate your solutions in real-world settings, position your startup for next-stage growth, and leverage nationwide GENESIS connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the EiR grant?
Any Indian citizen aged 18+ with an innovative technology solution, including students or founders of DPIIT-registered startups (not older than 2 years), committed to full-time work on their idea.
What startup stage is required?
Your startup should be in the ideation, validation, PoC, or prototyping phase without major external grants exceeding ₹10 Lakhs.
Can I apply if I received other government funding?
If you’ve received less than ₹10 Lakhs in external support, you remain eligible. Significant previous grants may disqualify you from the EiR program.
Is physical incubation required?
Yes, EiR awardees must be physically incubated at Deshpande Startups during the program.
Can Tier-1 city startups apply?
Priority is given to applicants from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to foster regional innovation, but other eligible applicants may be considered.