YouthNet has invited applications from eligible startups for the Pilot Component of MeitY GENESIS Pilot 2.0, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), implemented through the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), offering funding of up to ₹40 lakh to help startups deploy and demonstrate their solutions through pilot projects.
The programme is designed to help startups undertake pilot projects with government bodies, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and large enterprises. Funding will be determined by the verified cost of delivering the pilot project.
Neikepekho Shosahie, Associate Director of YouthNet said the initiative offered a significant opportunity for technology startups in Nagaland that were ready to scale up and demonstrate investment readiness.
“YouthNet Incubation Centre is the only implementing partner for the programme in Nagaland. Through the different components of MeitY GENESIS, several startups from the state have already received financial and incubation support. The Pilot Component can help eligible startups deliver a live engagement, strengthen their solutions and build a pathway to further business,” he said.
GENESIS, or Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups, is a MeitY initiative aimed at strengthening the startup ecosystem in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Its Pilot Component supports startups that have secured a Purchase Order or Work Order (PO/WO) to test and demonstrate market-ready solutions in real-world settings, establish industry credibility and pursue repeat business.
Under the programme, funding of up to ₹40 lakh will be determined on the basis of verified pilot delivery costs outlined in the utilisation plan. YouthNet Incubation Centre, as the implementing agency, will recommend the funding amount, while the final decision will rest with MSH.
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The programme also requires equity of up to 3% of the startup’s fully diluted post-money shareholding to be allotted to the implementing agency in its own name for the benefit of MSH as the beneficial owner. The fair value per share must be supported by a valuation report from a SEBI-registered merchant banker or an IBBI-registered valuer.
To qualify, applicants must be startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), incorporated in a Tier-II or Tier-III city and between one and five years old. Indian founders must hold at least 51% ownership, and the startup must have a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype and at least one full-time founder.
Applicants must also possess a pilot PO/WO valued between ₹1 lakh and ₹1 crore from an eligible, independent pilot partner. The order must cover the deployment of the startup’s own product. Other eligibility conditions include cumulative startup revenue not exceeding ₹1.5 crore, previous government funding not exceeding ₹40 lakh and previous private funding not exceeding ₹1.5 crore.
Applications will remain open until October 30, 2026. Interested startups can visit YouthNet’s website or follow its official social media channels for detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements and application instructions.
