Digital India GENESIS: ₹490 Crore Initiative Empowering Tech Startups Beyond Metro Cities

Launched in 2022 under the broader Digital India programme, Digital India GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) is an initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aimed at supporting technology-driven startups in Tier II and Tier III cities across India.

Introduced to address the concentration of startup capital and incubation support in major metropolitan hubs, the scheme focuses on decentralizing innovation by strengthening regional ecosystems and enabling access to structured early-stage assistance for digital and deep-tech ventures.

The program was launched with a total financial outlay of approximately ₹490 crore over a five-year implementation period. Funds are routed primarily through selected incubators and implementation partners, ensuring that startups receive not only financial assistance, but also structured mentorship, validation support, and ecosystem linkage.

Digital India GENESIS aims to support over 1,000 startups across emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, IoT, fintech, agritech, health-tech, and cybersecurity. Since its rollout, hundreds of startups across multiple states have already benefited from incubation-linked funding and ecosystem support.

By expanding institutional backing beyond established startup corridors, Digital India GENESIS plays a strategic role in strengthening India’s digital entrepreneurship footprint in emerging innovation clusters nationwide.

#Funding Information

Under Digital India GENESIS, financial assistance is designed to support early-stage, technology-driven startups, particularly those operating in Tier II and Tier III cities. Unlike large-ticket debt schemes, GENESIS focuses on enabling innovation during the early product development and validation phase.

Maximum Funding Support

Startups selected under the scheme can typically receive financial assistance in the range of ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh, depending on the nature of the innovation, development stage, and recommendations of the implementing incubator.

The exact amount sanctioned varies based on:

• Technology complexity

• Development milestones

• Capital requirements

• Commercial viability

• Evaluation by the incubator and selection committee

Nature of Financial Assistance

Funding is generally structured as grant-based or financial assistance routed through incubators, rather than traditional bank loans. This means:

• No collateral is required

• No immediate repayment obligation

• Support is milestone-linked

Disbursement is typically released in phased tranches, aligned with measurable progress such as:

• Prototype completion

• Product validation

• Pilot deployment

• Early customer adoption

This reduces risk for both the startup and the implementing agency while ensuring accountability.

What the Funds Can Be Used For

The financial support can be utilized for:

• Product development and refinement

• Technology validation and testing

• Pilot implementation

• Regulatory approvals and compliance

• Market validation activities

• Limited operational expenses linked to product rollout

The funding is not intended for large-scale expansion, heavy marketing spend, or unrelated capital expenditure.

Role of Incubators in Funding

Startups do not receive funds directly from the central ministry. Instead, empanelled incubators under the scheme:

• Evaluate applications

• Conduct technical and commercial due diligence

• Recommend startups for funding

• Monitor milestone progress

• Release funds in structured stages

This ensures that financial support is paired with structured mentorship and ecosystem access.

#Eligibility Criteria

Startups applying under Digital India GENESIS must meet structural, operational, and innovation-related requirements. Since the scheme is focused on regional digital ecosystem development, eligibility extends beyond just company registration.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown for founders:

Criteria	Requirement / Expectation
Startup Stage	Early-stage (idea, prototype, MVP, or pre-revenue)
Innovation Type	Technology-driven, digital-first, or deep-tech solution
Geographical Focus	Preferably operating from Tier II or Tier III cities
Legal Entity	Registered entity (Private Limited / LLP / recognized startup as applicable)
DPIIT Recognition	Preferred but may not be mandatory in all cases
Founder Nationality	Indian founders (majority control expected to remain Indian)
Equity Structure	No mandatory equity dilution to the government; support is generally non-equity grant-based
Revenue Cap	Typically early-stage startups with limited revenue traction
Sector Alignment	AI, IoT, cybersecurity, fintech, agritech, health-tech, SaaS, electronics, and digital infrastructure
Scalability Potential	Must demonstrate market scalability and commercialization potential
Incubator Affiliation	Must apply through an empanelled incubator under the scheme

#GENESIS Implementing Agencies

Below is the official list of 65 Implementing Agencies empanelled under the Digital India GENESIS scheme, as notified by MeitY. These incubators are the authorized ground-level partners responsible for evaluating startup applications, providing mentorship, and facilitating funding under GENESIS components such as EiR, Pilot Funding, and Matching Investment.

From the table, founders can identify:

• Which incubator operates in their state or region

• The centre type (G1, G2, or G3)

• The possible funding range available under GENESIS

• The type of startups best aligned with each incubation ecosystem

Each incubator is classified into G1, G2, or G3, reflecting its level of infrastructure strength and ecosystem maturity.

• G1 Centres – Advanced incubators with strong infrastructure, industry linkages, and capacity to manage larger funding programs.

• G2 Centres – Established regional incubators with structured mentorship and growing startup ecosystems.

• G3 Centres – Emerging incubation hubs, often in Tier II and Tier III cities, focused on early-stage founders and ecosystem development.

This classification helps founders understand the scale of support, infrastructure access, and funding readiness they can expect when applying through a particular incubator.

Sr	Incubator	State	Centre Type	Funding Range Under GENESIS	GENESIS Components (As Applicable)	Best For (Startup Type)
1	AIC-AMTZ Medivalley Incubation Council	Andhra Pradesh	G2	₹10L–₹50L	EiR / Pilot / Matching	Med-tech, Health-tech
2	Hatchlab Research Centre	Andhra Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Early-stage tech
3	KL Technology Incubators Foundation	Andhra Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	Pilot / Matching	Engineering-led startups
4	SSIIE-TBI (SPMVV)	Andhra Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Student & regional innovators
5	IIT Guwahati TIC	Assam	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Deep-tech, hardware
6	IIT Patna Incubation Centre	Bihar	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Tech-first startups
7	IIT Bhilai IBITF	Chhattisgarh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	Pilot	Engineering, EV-tech
8	FIIRE, Goa	Goa	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Tourism-tech, digital startups
9	K S Patel Centre	Gujarat	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	MSME-tech startups
10	Karnavati Innovation Foundation	Gujarat	G3	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	SaaS, fintech
11	Krishna Educational Foundation	Gujarat	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Regional innovators
12	ACIC-BMU	Haryana	G3	₹10L–₹50L	Matching	Scalable SaaS
13	Padup Foundation	Haryana	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	Early-stage founders
14	IIT Mandi Catalyst	Himachal Pradesh	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Deep-tech, hardware
15	CUJ SITE Council	J&K	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Regional digital startups
16	NewGen IEDC Srinagar	J&K	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	Idea-stage startups
17	IIT (ISM) Dhanbad	Jharkhand	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Mining-tech, industrial tech
18	Deshpande Startups	Karnataka	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Rural-tech, impact startups
19	Manipal Universal TBI	Karnataka	G3	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Health-tech, digital
20	SHINE (Sahyadri Hub)	Karnataka	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Tier-II digital startups
21	Amrita Technology Business Incubator	Kerala	G2	₹10L–₹50L	EiR / Pilot / Matching	Deep-tech, AI, Health-tech
22	IIM Kozhikode LIVE	Kerala	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	SaaS, D2C, scalable startups
23	Maker Village	Kerala	G1	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Electronics, hardware, IoT
24	NIT Calicut TBI	Kerala	G2	₹10L–₹40L	Pilot	Engineering-led startups
25	AIC-RNTU Foundation	Madhya Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Student & early-stage founders
26	Anupam Innovation & Incubation Center	Madhya Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	Regional tech innovators
27	ITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation	Madhya Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	Pilot	Cyber-physical systems
28	AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation	Maharashtra	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Agri-tech, rural innovation
29	IIMN Foundation (InFED)	Maharashtra	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	SaaS, scalable tech
30	Marathwada Accelerator Council	Maharashtra	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Tier-II digital startups
31	TiLi Incubator	Mizoram	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	Northeast early innovators
32	YouthNet	Nagaland	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Northeast tech startups
33	Electropreneur Park	Odisha	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	ESDM, electronics startups
34	FTBI – NIT Rourkela	Odisha	G3	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Industrial tech, hardware
35	KIIT TBI	Odisha	G1	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Deep-tech, AI, electronics
36	AIC ISB Association	Punjab	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Matching	Scale-ready SaaS startups
37	CIIF (Chitkara Innovation Incubator)	Punjab	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	SaaS, digital startups
38	IIT Ropar TIF	Punjab	G3	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Robotics, hardware
39	STPI-Neuron CoE Mohali	Punjab	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	AI, cybersecurity
40	ACIC-VGU Foundation	Rajasthan	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Student-led startups
41	IIM Udaipur Incubation Centre	Rajasthan	G3	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	SaaS, scalable tech startups
42	JECRC Incubation Centre	Rajasthan	G1	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Early-stage innovators
43	PIEDS – BITS Pilani	Rajasthan	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Deep-tech, hardware startups
44	AIC-SMUTBI	Sikkim	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Regional digital startups
45	AIC RAISE Business Incubator	Tamil Nadu	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	SaaS, fintech, enterprise tech
46	AIC-NIFTTEA Incubation Centre	Tamil Nadu	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Textile-tech, manufacturing
47	CEDI – Tiruchirappalli	Tamil Nadu	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Student & Tier-II startups
48	CRESCENT Innovation Council	Tamil Nadu	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Engineering & SaaS startups
49	Forge – Coimbatore Innovation & Business Incubator	Tamil Nadu	G1	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Hardware, deep-tech
50	ALEAP (Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India)	Telangana	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Women-led startups
51	NIT Warangal	Telangana	G3	₹10L–₹40L	Pilot	Engineering-led startups
52	AIC Shiv Nadar	Uttar Pradesh	G2	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	AI, SaaS, scalable startups
53	Amity Innovation Incubator	Uttar Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Student & digital startups
54	AIC – BIMTECH	Uttar Pradesh	G2	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Business model–focused startups
55	FIRST – IIT Kanpur	Uttar Pradesh	G1	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Deep-tech, hardware
56	IPEC TBI Foundation	Uttar Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	Regional innovators
57	MIET Incubation Forum	Uttar Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	Early-stage founders
58	Navotthan Startup Foundation	Uttar Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Tier-III startups
59	SPARKL GLA TBI	Uttar Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	University-led startups
60	TBI – KIET Ghaziabad	Uttar Pradesh	G2	₹10L–₹40L	Pilot	Engineering & digital startups
61	TMU Business Incubation Centre	Uttar Pradesh	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR	Regional tech founders
62	IIM Kashipur Foundation	Uttarakhand	G3	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	SaaS & growth-stage startups
63	Runway Incubator – UPES	Uttarakhand	G3	₹10L–₹40L	EiR / Pilot	Clean-tech, deep-tech
64	TIDES Business Incubator	Uttarakhand	G1	₹10L–₹50L	Pilot / Matching	Deep-tech & engineering startups
65	RISE Foundation – IISER	West Bengal	G3	₹10L–₹40L	Pilot	Science & research-based startups

#How to Apply for Digital India GENESIS – Complete Founder Guide

Applying under Digital India GENESIS is not like applying for a bank loan. There is no single central “apply here” button that guarantees funding. The process is incubator-driven and call-based, which means founders must apply through empanelled implementing agencies during active application windows.

Below is the complete step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Identify the Right Incubator

GENESIS funding is routed through the 65 empanelled incubators.Start by:

• Shortlisting incubators in your state or nearby region

• Checking if they are currently running a GENESIS call (EiR / Pilot / Matching Investment)

• Reviewing their focus area (deep-tech, SaaS, hardware, etc.)

Most incubators announce GENESIS calls on:

• Their official website

• Social media handles

• MeitY Startup Hub portal

There is no rolling application year-round — applications open only when a specific funding component is activated.

Step 2: Understand the Application Window

GENESIS funding is released in cohort-based cycles.

Typical pattern:

• Application window open for 30–45 days

• Shortlisting phase (2–4 weeks)

• Pitch / evaluation round

• Final selection & sanction

On average, the entire process may take 6–10 weeks from application to first tranche disbursement, depending on the incubator.

There is no fixed annual deadline — calls are periodic.

Step 3: Check Your Eligibility Before Applying

Before applying, confirm:

• Your startup is technology-driven or digital-first

• You are in early-stage (idea, prototype, MVP, or early revenue)

• You are registered as a Private Limited or LLP (preferred)

• You are operating from Tier II / Tier III region (preferred but not mandatory everywhere)

For Matching Investment component, you may need:

• Proof of external investment commitment

• Term sheet or signed agreement

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Document Checklist for Applying Under Digital India GENESIS

Below is a consolidated list of documents typically required when applying through GENESIS empanelled incubators. Exact requirements may vary slightly by incubator and funding component (EiR / Pilot / Matching).

Category	Document Name	Purpose	Mandatory / Conditional
Startup Registration	Certificate of Incorporation	Proof of legal entity formation	Mandatory
	PAN Card (Company)	Tax identification	Mandatory
	GST Registration	Tax compliance (if applicable)	Conditional
	DPIIT Recognition Certificate	Startup recognition under GoI	Preferred
Founders’ Details	Aadhaar Card (Founders)	Identity verification	Mandatory
	PAN Card (Founders)	Compliance & KYC	Mandatory
	Resume / CV of Founders	Evaluate capability & background	Mandatory
	LinkedIn Profiles	Professional validation	Preferred
Business Documents	Pitch Deck	Overview of startup & opportunity	Mandatory
	Detailed Project Proposal	Technical & business explanation	Mandatory
	Problem Statement & Solution Note	Innovation clarity	Mandatory
	Market Analysis Report	Market size & opportunity validation	Preferred
	Revenue Model Description	Monetization clarity	Mandatory
	Financial Projections (2–3 years)	Viability assessment	Mandatory
Technical Validation	Prototype Demo / Screenshots	Proof of concept	Conditional (for prototype stage)
	Technology Architecture Note	Technical feasibility	Preferred
Compliance & Structure	Cap Table (Shareholding Pattern)	Ownership transparency	Mandatory
	Bank Account Details	Fund disbursement	Mandatory (post-approval)
For Pilot Funding	Letters of Intent (LOIs)	Market validation proof	Conditional
	Customer / Industry Validation	Demand confirmation	Preferred
For Matching Investment	Term Sheet / Investment Agreement	Proof of external funding	Mandatory (for this component)
	Investor Commitment Letter	Matching eligibility	Mandatory (for this component)

Step 5: Screening & Evaluation

After submission, incubators typically conduct:

1. Internal screening

2. Technical evaluation

3. Commercial viability assessment

4. Pitch presentation before selection committee

Evaluation criteria usually include:

• Innovation strength

• Scalability

• Market need

• Team capability

• Feasibility of execution

Step 6: Funding Approval & Agreement

If selected:

• A sanction letter is issued

• Funding agreement is signed

• Milestones are defined

• First tranche is released

Disbursement is milestone-based, not lump sum.

#Klubzero Insight: How to Actually Increase Your Chances of Getting GENESIS Funding

Let’s get real

GENESIS funding committees don’t reject ideas — they reject unclear execution and vague applications. Most founders submit decks that look like pitch competitions. GENESIS is not Shark Tank. It’s milestone-driven government capital.

Here’s how to approach it intelligently.

Apply to the Right Component — Not Just Any Open Call

One of the biggest mistakes founders make is applying for Pilot Funding when they are clearly EiR-stage. If you don’t have:

• A working prototype

• Early validation

• Defined customer use case

You are not ready for ₹40L Pilot funding.

Committees can spot stage-mismatch immediately. Apply where your startup actually stands, not where the funding amount looks attractive.

Budget Breakdown Should Be Surgical

Don’t write:

₹15L – Product Development₹10L – Marketing₹5L – Miscellaneous

That gets rejected.

Instead show:

• ₹4.5L – Backend engineering (3 months × ₹1.5L contractor)

• ₹2L – Prototype hardware batch (50 units × ₹4,000 per unit)

• ₹1.2L – Cloud infrastructure (6 months runway)

• ₹80K – Compliance certification

Detail reduces doubt.

Committees prefer clarity over ambition.

Show a 6–9 Month Execution Map

GENESIS funding is milestone-based. If you cannot clearly answer:

• What happens in Month 1?

• What is achieved by Month 3?

• What is delivered by Month 6?

Your application feels risky.

Add a small execution timeline slide. It significantly improves credibility.

Reduce Perceived Risk in 3 Areas

Every committee subconsciously evaluates risk across:

Technology Risk – Can this be built? Market Risk – Does anyone want this? Execution Risk – Can this team deliver?

You don’t need perfection. You need to show you’ve thought through these three risks.

For example:

• Attach early user feedback

• Show a prototype demo video link

• Mention advisory support

• Include a realistic fallback plan

Risk mitigation improves approval probability dramatically.

Don’t Overpromise Scale

GENESIS committees know this is early-stage funding. If you project ₹50 crore revenue in Year 2, you look naive.

Instead, show:

• Clear problem

• Strong niche entry

• Step-by-step market capture

Government-backed funding prefers grounded founders over hype-driven ones.

Speak to the Incubator Before Applying

This is rarely written, but practically important.

Email or call the incubation manager. Ask:

• Which component suits my stage?

• What selection committees prioritize?

• Any specific format preference?

Applications that follow incubator expectations get smoother internal screening.

Build a relationship before applying. Speak to the incubation manager, attend info sessions, and clarify expectations. Warm familiarity improves clarity — and clarity improves selection chances.

Matching Investment Strategy (If Applicable)

If applying for Matching Investment:

• Have investor commitment documentation ready.

• Ensure valuation is reasonable.

• Be transparent about cap table.

Committees dislike messy equity structures.

Position Your Startup as Ecosystem-Aligned

GENESIS is part of Digital India.If your startup aligns with:

• AI

• Deep-tech

• Cybersecurity

• Electronics

• Digital infrastructure

• Regional impact

Make that alignment explicit in your pitch.

Policy alignment increases strategic attractiveness.

What Actually Increases Your Odds?

From observed patterns across incubator-backed schemes:

• Clear documentation

• Stage-appropriate application

• Conservative financial planning

• Strong technical clarity

• Demonstrable founder capability

Not flashy branding. Not big projections.

Final Klubzero Reality Check

If your application looks like a VC pitch deck, you might struggle.

If your application looks like a structured, milestone-driven execution proposal, your odds improve significantly.