Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Government Opens GENESIS EIR Cohort-3 Applications for Deeptech Startups
The government has opened applications for a startup programme called GENESIS EIR Cohort-3.
It is designed for people who have new technology ideas or very young startups.
The programme can provide up to Rs 10 lakh through participating incubators.
Participants can receive mentors, help building products and support for testing their ideas.
The programme is especially interested in startups from smaller Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Ideas can involve deeptech, artificial intelligence, electronics, cybersecurity and other advanced technologies.
An idea must be at an early stage, from an initial concept to an early working product.
Applications can be submitted until September 3, 2026.
Applications for GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence Cohort-3 are open until September 3, 2026.
The programme offers financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh through participating GENESIS incubators.
It targets aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and early-stage founders, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Eligible ideas must be at Technology Readiness Level 1–4 and focus on areas such as deeptech, AI/ML, IoT and cybersecurity.
Selected participants receive mentorship, product-development support, prototyping assistance and guidance toward commercialisation.
- Who
- Aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and early-stage founders, supported through the MeitY Startup Hub and participating GENESIS incubators.
- What
- GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence Cohort-3 has opened applications and will provide funding, incubation, mentorship and product-development support.
- When
- Applications are open through September 3, 2026; the programme was launched on August 4, 2026.
- Where
- The national-level programme operates through participating GENESIS incubators and was launched at the GENESIS NextGen Startup Summit in Coimbatore.
- Why
- It aims to discover and accelerate technology startups, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and help turn early-stage ideas into pilot-ready solutions.
- Application deadline
- September 3, 2026
- Financial assistance
- Up to Rs 10 lakh
- Eligibility stage
- Technology Readiness Level 1–4
- Startup age limit
- Less than two years old if incorporated, as of the application date
- Focus areas
- Deeptech, AI/ML, IoT, semiconductors/VLSI, cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum technologies, and AR/VR, spatial and immersive technologies
- Programme operator
- MeitY Startup Hub under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- Launch date
- August 4, 2026