YouthNet has announced the opening of applications for Nagaland-based startups under the MeitY GENESIS Program, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and MeitY Startup Hub (MSH).
In a statement, Neikepekho Shosahie, Associate Director of YouthNet, said the program represents “a defining opportunity for technology-driven startups from Nagaland and the Northeast to access strategic funding, high-network mentorship, and national-level exposure.”
Shosahie said “YouthNet Incubation Centre being the only implementing partner in the state for the program said MeitY GENESIS is designed to strengthen India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem, the GENESIS program aims to empower founders to validate, scale, and commercialize their innovations; accelerating the nation’s digital economy while expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs from Tier-II and Tier-III regions positioning entrepreneurs to compete and collaborate at a global level”.
The matching investment funding scheme:
Under the MeitY GENESIS – Matching Investment Funding Scheme, startups can access up to ₹50 lakhs in equity-based support on a 1:1 matching basis. The scheme targets scalable, technology-driven ventures in domains such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, cybersecurity, IoT, blockchain, fintech, ed-tech, and health-tech.
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Eligible startups must be DPIIT-recognized private limited companies registered in Tier-II or Tier-III cities, with marketready products and preferably some early traction. Startups that have previously received benefits under TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up) or SAMRIDH are not eligible.
The pilot funding scheme:
The second component, the MeitY GENESIS – Pilot Funding Scheme, provides up to ₹40 lakhs to startups for testing, validating, and deploying market-ready solutions in partnership with corporates, PSUs, or large enterprises.
Startups must hold a valid DPIIT certificate and possess an MVP or working prototype supported by a purchase order or pilot agreement from an eligible partner. Corporate participants are required to have a minimum turnover of ₹75 crore and at least five years of operations.
Applications are open until October 31, 2025. More details are available on the YouthNet website and official social media handles.
