Ministry of Electronics & IT’s one-stop platform for tech startup support. Seed funding, mentoring, market access, accelerator programmes, innovation challenges, and the GENESIS scheme. Focus sectors: fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, and cybersecurity.
Complete walkthrough — from MSH registration to accessing seed funding, accelerator programmes, GENESIS scheme, and innovation challenges for tech startups.
What is MeitY Startup Hub (MSH)?
MeitY Startup Hub is the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology’s dedicated platform for nurturing technology startups in India. MSH acts as the nodal hub connecting tech startups with incubators, accelerators, mentors, investors, and government programmes. It manages and implements several MeitY startup initiatives including SAMRIDH, TIDE 2.0, GENESIS, and various innovation challenges. MSH partners with 100+ incubators and accelerators across India to provide comprehensive support to early-stage and growth-stage tech startups.
Focus Sectors & Eligibility
MSH supports startups across key technology sectors: fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, cybersecurity, AI/ML, IoT, blockchain, AR/VR, clean-tech, and semiconductor design. Eligible startups must be: registered as a company or LLP in India, working on technology-driven products or services, early-stage or growth-stage (pre-Series A preferred), with a viable product prototype or MVP. DPIIT Startup India recognition is strongly recommended. Both product and platform startups with significant technology IP are eligible.
GENESIS — GEN-next Support for Innovative Startups
GENESIS is MSH’s flagship programme to support next-generation tech startups. It provides: seed funding (grants up to ₹25 lakh for prototype development and market validation), mentorship (paired with industry mentors and domain experts), market access (introductions to enterprise customers and government buyers), and investor connect (pitch events with VCs and angel networks). GENESIS focuses on startups in tier 2/3 cities and those founded by women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Applications are accepted through the MSH portal during open cohort windows.
MSH Accelerator Programmes
MSH runs and coordinates multiple accelerator programmes through its network of partner organisations. These include: sector-specific accelerators (fintech accelerator, healthtech accelerator), stage-specific programmes (ideation-to-prototype, scaling programmes), and geography-focused initiatives (North-East startup accelerator, rural tech accelerator). Each programme offers 3–6 months of intensive support including funding, mentoring, technical resources, and demo day access. Track upcoming accelerator programmes on the MSH portal and social media channels.
Innovation Challenges & Hackathons
MSH regularly organises innovation challenges and hackathons in partnership with government ministries, corporates, and international organisations. These challenges address specific problem statements in areas like digital governance, financial inclusion, healthcare access, and agriculture productivity. Winners receive prize money (₹5–25 lakh), incubation support, pilot project opportunities, and procurement contracts. Past challenges include Smart India Hackathon, Digital India Challenge, and sector-specific grand challenges. Monitor the MSH portal for upcoming challenges.
Seed Funding & Financial Support
Through its various programmes, MSH provides seed funding ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh per startup. Funding instruments include grants (no equity), convertible notes, and equity investments. MSH also facilitates access to SIDBI’s Fund of Funds for Startups (₹10,000 crore corpus) through its network of AIFs and VC funds. Additionally, MSH helps startups access other government funding schemes like SAMRIDH (up to ₹40 lakh) and TIDE 2.0 (up to ₹15 lakh) through its incubator partners.
Mentoring & Market Access
MSH maintains a pool of 500+ mentors including industry leaders, serial entrepreneurs, domain experts, and technology specialists. Startups are matched with mentors based on their sector, stage, and specific needs. Beyond mentoring, MSH provides: market access (GeM portal onboarding for government sales, enterprise customer introductions), international connect (bilateral startup bridges with countries like Israel, UK, Japan), and partnership facilitation (corporate innovation partnerships, joint ventures, technology licensing).
Partnership with Incubators & Industry
MSH works with a network of 100+ incubators and accelerators across India, including NASSCOM 10,000 Startups, T-Hub, IIT incubators, and state-level incubation centres. Industry partnerships with companies like Google, Microsoft, AWS, Intel, and Qualcomm provide startups with free cloud credits, development tools, technical training, and go-to-market support. MSH also collaborates with banks and NBFCs to facilitate credit access for tech startups beyond the seed stage.
How to Register & Apply on MSH Portal
Visit the MeitY Startup Hub portal (meitystartuphub.in) → Register your startup with company details, founder information, and product description → Complete your profile with pitch deck, team details, and traction metrics → Browse available programmes (accelerators, challenges, funding calls) → Apply to relevant programmes. Keep your profile updated with latest milestones and metrics. MSH also sends programme announcements and opportunities to registered startups via email and the portal dashboard.
Maximise Benefits — Combine MSH with Other Schemes
MSH programmes can be combined with: Startup India (DPIIT recognition, tax exemptions, self-certification), Atal Innovation Mission (AIC incubation, ANIC challenges), SIDBI schemes (SMILE loans, Fund of Funds), Stand Up India (for SC/ST and women tech founders), and state startup policies (additional subsidies, incentives). Obtain DPIIT recognition first, then register on MSH, and systematically apply for relevant programmes. TaxClue can help you create a comprehensive funding roadmap combining multiple schemes.