GENESIS by MeitY Explained: How Startups in Tier II & Tier III Can Grow and Scale

In a decisive move to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem beyond metropolitan hubs, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Digital India-GENESIS, an umbrella program designed to discover, nurture, and scale startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The initiative emphasizes collaborative engagement between startups, government bodies, and corporates to promote inclusive, accessible, and affordable digitization, ultimately driving employment and economic growth.

GENESIS aims to unlock the deep tech potential of smaller cities, providing local innovators with the tools, mentorship, and funding necessary to transform ideas into successful ventures. By focusing on inclusivity and regional empowerment, the program bridges the urban-rural divide in India’s innovation landscape.

Objective of GENESIS

The program is designed to:

• Discover and support startups in smaller cities with high potential for innovation.

• Promote collaborative engagement among startups, government agencies, and corporate partners.

• Enable startups to leverage equity-linked seed investment to expand domestically and globally.

• Foster inclusive digitization by ensuring solutions are accessible and affordable to all segments of society.

• Boost employment opportunities and economic outputs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Eligibility Criteria for Genesis Startup Scheme

GENESIS is aimed at organizations and institutions based in Tier-II and Tier-III cities that have the expertise and infrastructure to support local entrepreneurs. Eligible entities include:

• Startup incubators and accelerators

• Investment platforms supporting early-stage ventures

• Entrepreneurship-supporting organizations

• Academic R&D institutions focused on student innovation

These entities must demonstrate intent, expertise, and resource allocation to support student entrepreneurs and innovators in their communities.

Key Features and Benefits of Genesis Scheme

1. Funding Support
   The program has an allocation of ₹490 crore for five years (2022–2027), which will be disbursed as equity-linked seed investment to eligible startups.

2. Mentorship and Guidance
   Startups receive structured mentorship from experts, helping them navigate technical, operational, and market challenges.

3. Collaborative Engagement
   GENESIS emphasizes partnerships between startups, government institutions, and corporates to ensure holistic support and market access.

4. Global Expansion
   Startups can leverage the program’s equity-linked funding to scale operations and expand their reach internationally.

5. Focus on Deep Tech
   The initiative targets deep tech and technology-driven startups, enabling innovation in sectors such as AI, IoT, EdTech, HealthTech, and more.

Genesis Impact and Vision

GENESIS represents a strategic push to democratize entrepreneurship in India. By focusing on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, the initiative ensures that innovation is not limited to metropolitan areas but reaches regions with untapped potential.

The program envisions a thriving ecosystem where startups have access to funding, mentorship, and collaborative networks, ultimately leading to employment generation, economic growth, and enhanced digitization across India.

Digital India-GENESIS is not just a funding program—it’s a launchpad for regional innovators, empowering startups to grow locally and expand globally. By supporting deep tech ventures in smaller cities, MeitY is ensuring that India’s digital transformation is inclusive, accessible, and impactful, creating the next generation of successful startups across the country.