GENESIS EIR 3.0 Offers ₹10L Support to Early-Stage Tech Innovators

GENESIS EIR 3.0 launches with funding of up to ₹10 lakh for early-stage tech innovators in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The programme supports AI, DeepTech, semiconductors, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies through incubation and mentorship.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), has launched the third cohort of its GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) programme to support aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, students and early-stage startup founders in developing technology-driven ideas into viable businesses.

GENESIS EIR 3.0 is part of the GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) scheme, which focuses on identifying and accelerating startups, particularly those emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Under the programme, selected innovators receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh through participating GENESIS incubators, along with incubation, mentorship and access to the broader startup ecosystem.

Also Read: How Intelligent Battery Sensors Improve EV Battery Accuracy

The programme is aimed at entrepreneurs developing solutions in electronics, information technology, information and communication technology, and DeepTech. Support extends across the early stages of innovation, including product development, minimum viable product (MVP) creation, prototyping, technology validation and business development.

GENESIS EIR 3.0 places particular emphasis on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, Internet of Things, semiconductor and VLSI technologies, cyber security, blockchain, quantum technologies, and augmented, virtual, spatial and immersive technologies.

The programme is open to Indian citizens, including entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, students and founders or co-founders of early-stage startups. Proposed innovations must fall between Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 and 4, covering stages from ideation and proof of concept to prototype, MVP and early validation.

For incorporated startups, the company must be less than two years old at the time of application and must be based in a Tier-II or Tier-III city. Applicants must also ensure that their proposed idea or startup has not already received more than ₹10 lakh in financial assistance through a Central or State government scheme.

Also Read: Navigating Quality, Sustainability & Innovation In Indian Agricultural Commodity Processing

The third cohort is launched at the GENESIS NextGen Startup Summit, Coimbatore Edition on August 4, with applications remaining open until September 3, 2026. The initiative is intended to help innovators bridge the gap between early-stage ideas and market-ready technology solutions.

The broader GENESIS scheme carries a total budget outlay of ₹490 crore and includes Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Pilot, Investment and DeepTech funding components. It is designed to support startups through different stages, from experimentation and validation to investment and scale-up.

Through GENESIS EIR 3.0, MeitY Startup Hub seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship beyond India’s established startup centres. By combining financial assistance with incubation, expert guidance, industry connections and commercialisation support, the programme aims to help early-stage innovators turn technology concepts into scalable ventures.