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 (Entrepreneurship), YouthNet, described the program as “a defining opportunity” for technology-driven startups from Nagaland and the Northeast to access strategic funding, mentorship, and national-level exposure. YouthNet Incubation Centre is the sole implementing partner for the program in Nagaland.
The GENESIS initiative aims to strengthen India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem by supporting founders to validate, scale, and commercialize innovations, while expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs from Tier-II and Tier-III regions.
Under the Matching Investment Funding Scheme, eligible startups can avail up to Rs.50 lakh in equity-based support on a 1:1 matching basis.
The scheme targets ventures in domains such as AI, deep tech, cybersecurity, IoT, blockchain, fintech, ed-tech, and health-tech. Applicants must be DPIIT-recognized private limited companies with market-ready products and preferably some early traction. Startups that have received support under TIDE 2.0 (Scale-up) or SAMRIDH are not eligible.
The Pilot Funding Scheme offers up to Rs.40 lakh for startups to test and deploy market-ready solutions in partnership with corporates, PSUs, or large enterprises. Startups must hold a valid DPIIT certificate and have an MVP or working prototype backed by a purchase order or pilot agreement.
Corporate partners must have a minimum turnover of Rs.75 crore and at least five years of operations.
Applications are open until October 31, 2025. Interested startups can visit YouthNet’s website or contact Neikepekho Shosahie at +91 8119039063 / neikepekho@gmail.com for further details.
YouthNet invites Nagaland startups for MeitY GENESIS grants
DIMAPUR, OCT 25 (NPN)