YouthNet invites Nagaland startups to apply for MeitY GENESIS funding

DIMAPUR — YouthNet has invited technology-based startups from Nagaland to apply for funding under the MeitY GENESIS Programme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH).

According to a statement from YouthNet, applications are now open for Nagaland-based startups under the programme.

Neikepekho Shosahie, associate director of YouthNet, described the initiative as “a defining opportunity for technology-driven startups from Nagaland and the Northeast to access strategic funding, high-network mentorship, and national-level exposure.”

It was informed that YouthNet Incubation Centre is the only implementing partner in the state for the programme. Shosahie stated that the MeitY GENESIS initiative 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,” he added.

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Under the MeitY GENESIS – Matching Investment Funding Scheme, startups can access up to INR 50 lakhs in equity-based support on a 1:1 matching basis. The scheme targets scalable, technology-driven ventures in sectors such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, fintech, ed-tech, and health-tech.

Eligible startups must be recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and registered as private limited companies in Tier-II or Tier-III cities, with market-ready products and preferably some early traction. Startups that have previously benefited from TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up) or SAMRIDH programmes are not eligible.

The MeitY GENESIS – Pilot Funding Scheme, the second component of the initiative, offers up to INR 40 lakhs to startups for testing, validating, and deploying market-ready solutions in collaboration with corporates, public sector undertakings (PSUs), or large enterprises.

To qualify, startups must possess a valid DPIIT certificate and a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype supported by a purchase order or pilot agreement with an eligible partner. Corporate participants must have a minimum turnover of INR 75 crore and at least five years of operations.

Applications for both schemes are open until October 31, 2025. More details are available on the YouthNet website (youthnet.org.in/tag/meity-genesis) and official social media handles.