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GENESIS EiR Cohort 3

Grant support up to ₹10 Lakhs for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop breakthrough technology innovations.

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Last Date: 03 September 2026

About the Program

GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Cohort 3 is a MeitY Startup Hub initiative supporting early-stage innovators and startups building technology-led solutions.

The program provides financial assistance, structured incubation and technical & business mentoring to help selected EIRs move from early-stage ideas towards PoCs, prototypes and MVPs.

The program is particularly focused on innovators and startups from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, with preference for technology-led innovations across Electronics, IT, ICT and DeepTech.

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.

Applications Open

To know more, reach out to:

etprograms@dfmail.org

How to apply

Step 1

Go to the GENESIS EiR application portal. Application link

Step 2

Create your account and complete the online application.

Step 3

Choose Deshpande Startups as the preference 1 for Implementing Agency.

Step 4

Submit your application by 03 September 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Entrepreneur Eligibility

  • Indian citizen
  • Early-stage innovator, entrepreneur or founder/co-founder
  • Building a technology-led innovation/startup
  • Available for physical incubation with Deshpande Startups

Startup/Innovator Eligibility

  • Innovation at TRL 1–4 — from ideation to working prototype
  • Startup incorporated within the last 2 years, where applicable
  • DPIIT registration, where applicable
  • No previous support under GENESIS EiR or overlapping MeitY schemes
  • No government financial assistance exceeding ₹10 lakh for the same idea

Regional & Technology Focus

  • Startup/innovation from or operating in a Tier-II or Tier-III city
  • Preference for technology-led innovations
  • Electronics Design & Manufacturing
  • DeepTech, IT & ICT
  • AI/ML, IoT, VLSI/Semiconductors, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum, AR/VR & more

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?

Indian citizens who are early-stage innovators, entrepreneurs or founders/co-founders of startups working on technology-led innovations can apply, subject to the program’s eligibility criteria. Preference is given to applicants/startups from or operating in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Yes. Applicants can indicate up to two Implementing Agency preferences while applying. If you would like to apply through Deshpande Startups, select Deshpande Startups as Preference 1 on the application form.

GENESIS EiR supports early-stage innovations from ideation to working prototype (TRL 1–4).

Applicants who have already received support under the GENESIS EiR Programme or an overlapping MeitY scheme are not eligible. Applicants also cannot have received financial assistance exceeding ₹10 lakh under any government scheme for the same idea.

Selected EIRs are required to be physically incubated with Deshpande Startups during the program tenure.

Priority is given to applicants from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to foster regional innovation, but other eligible applicants may be considered.

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