Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups
Ministry of Electronics and IT, through MeitY Startup Hub
MeitY's umbrella scheme for tech startups, focused on Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Through selected implementing agencies it offers entrepreneur-in-residence support, early-stage money, pilot funding, matched investment and a larger cheque for a few deep tech startups. Its entrepreneur-in-residence track has a third cohort call running now.
What you can get
Up to ₹10 lakh for early-stage, average ₹40 lakh up to ₹50 lakh for pilots or matched investment, up to ₹1 crore for select deep tech
Do you repay it?
See official page
Type
Seed funding
Where
All of India
Current status
Approved in July 2023 for five years. MeitY Startup Hub's September 2026 note says the EIR Cohort 3 call launched on 4 August 2026 is live. No closing date was shown. Other tracks run through implementing agencies.
Who can apply
- Technology startup, or an aspiring founder, student or researcher for the residence track
- Focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities
- Selected through an implementing agency's expert process
- Investment component needs 1:1 private sector matching
How to apply
- 1Check the list of selected implementing agencies on MeitY Startup Hub
- 2Apply to an agency near you or to the current EIR 3.0 call
- 3Expect its own screening before any money is released
The catch
The ₹1 crore figure is only for a select few deep tech startups. Most founders see much smaller sums, the live call covers only the residence track, and implementing agencies decide. Check the closing date with MeitY Startup Hub.
We read this on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm there before you apply. Founders Wing is not connected to this scheme, does not help with applications and never charges for access to it.