GENESIS Pilot 2.0
Funding support up to ₹40 Lakh
Turn your pilot into real world impact with funding support of up to ₹40 lakh per startup for eligible Pilot Purchase Orders / Work Orders.
Deadline: 30 October 2026
About the Program
GENESIS Pilot 2.0 supports startups from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities that have secured a pilot Purchase Order or Work Order from a Government body, PSU or large enterprise. The program provides funding support to help startups successfully deliver the pilot, make their products industry ready and create a pathway from pilot deployment to repeat business.
Eligibility Criteria
- DPIIT-recognised startup, incorporated in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city
- 1–5 years old, with Indian founders holding at least 51% ownership
- Must have an MVP or working prototype ready for pilot deployment
- Must have at least one full-time founder
- Must have a Pilot Purchase Order / Work Order of ₹1 lakh–₹1 crore from an eligible, independent Pilot Partner
- The pilot must involve deployment of the startup’s own product
- Cumulative revenue of up to ₹1.5 crore
- Prior Government funding of up to ₹40 lakh and prior private funding of up to ₹1.5 crore
Have a Pilot Ready to Deploy?
If you have an eligible Pilot Purchase Order or Work Order, GENESIS Pilot 2.0 could help you take your solution from pilot to real world impact.
Applications close: 30 October 2026, 11:59 PM
To know more, reach out to:
etprograms@dfmail.org
Take Your Pilot to the Next Stage
Pilot Deployment
Get funding support to deliver your eligible pilot successfully.
Product Readiness
Use the pilot to make your solution more industry ready.
Real World Validation
Deploy with a Government body, PSU or large enterprise.
Pathway to Repeat Business
Turn a successful pilot into opportunities for repeat adoption.
Important Note:
- Funding support is subject to eligibility, verification and selection by the Expert Committee.
- Deshpande Startups will hold equity of up to 3% on behalf of MeitY Startup Hub.
- MSH and MeitY reserve the right to amend or modify the selection procedure as deemed necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which funding sources qualify for matching?
Only investor funding counts toward the matching criteria. Government grants and schemes are excluded from the matching calculation.
Do I need the funds in my account already?
Yes, you must have actually received the institutional funds in your bank account. Commitments or signed agreements without fund transfer don’t qualify.
Can I apply if I have government grants?
You can apply, but government grants won’t count toward the matching fund calculation.
Must my startup be registered in a smaller city?
Yes, registration in a Tier-2 or Tier-3 city is mandatory for eligibility.
