💻 MeitY Startup Hub
MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) — Tech Startup Incubation & Funding
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.
✓ Seed funding & mentoring
✓ GENESIS programme
✓ Innovation challenges
MSH Scheme Assistance
Expert calls back within 30 min
📄 Eligibility assessment
🎓 Programme matching
🔒 Application support
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Access MeitY Startup Hub Programmes
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MeitY Startup Hub and how is it different from Startup India?
MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) is the Ministry of Electronics & IT’s dedicated platform specifically for technology startups, while Startup India is DPIIT’s broader programme covering all sectors. MSH focuses on tech sectors like fintech, healthtech, edtech, AI/ML, and cybersecurity. MSH implements MeitY-specific programmes (SAMRIDH, TIDE 2.0, GENESIS) and provides tech-focused incubation, funding, and mentoring. Both programmes are complementary — get DPIIT Startup India recognition first, then access MSH programmes.
What is the GENESIS programme under MSH?
GENESIS (GEN-next Support for Innovative Startups) is MSH’s programme providing seed funding up to ₹25 lakh, mentorship, market access, and investor connect to next-generation tech startups. It particularly focuses on startups from tier 2/3 cities and those founded by women entrepreneurs. Applications are accepted through the MSH portal during open cohort windows. The programme includes intensive 3–6 month support with milestone-based funding disbursement.
Which technology sectors does MSH support?
MSH supports startups across fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, cybersecurity, AI/ML, IoT, blockchain, AR/VR, clean-tech, semiconductor design, robotics, and drones. The specific sector focus may vary by programme — some accelerators are sector-specific (e.g., fintech accelerator), while others accept cross-sector applications. Software startups with significant technology innovation are also eligible.
How much funding can my startup get through MSH?
Funding through MSH varies by programme: GENESIS provides up to ₹25 lakh, SAMRIDH up to ₹40 lakh, TIDE 2.0 up to ₹15 lakh, and innovation challenges offer ₹5–25 lakh in prizes. MSH also facilitates access to SIDBI Fund of Funds (VC investment) for startups seeking larger rounds. The total accessible funding through MSH’s ecosystem can range from ₹10 lakh to several crores depending on your stage and traction.
Do I need DPIIT recognition to apply for MSH programmes?
DPIIT recognition is strongly recommended but not always mandatory for all MSH programmes. Some programmes require it as a prerequisite, while others accept applications from registered companies/LLPs even without DPIIT recognition. Getting DPIIT recognition first unlocks additional benefits (tax exemptions, self-certification) and strengthens your MSH applications. TaxClue can help you obtain DPIIT recognition within 2–3 working days.
Can bootstrapped startups apply for MSH support?
Yes, bootstrapped startups are welcome and often prioritised for seed-stage programmes like GENESIS. MSH programmes are designed to support startups at various stages — from ideation to growth. You don’t need prior VC funding to apply. Having a working prototype or MVP, some initial traction (users, revenue, pilots), and a strong founding team significantly improves your chances of selection.
How do I participate in MSH innovation challenges?
Register on the MSH portal (meitystartuphub.in) and watch for challenge announcements. Challenges are also published on MyGov.in, Startup India portal, and MSH social media channels. Each challenge has specific problem statements, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines. Submit your solution proposal before the deadline. Selection involves multiple rounds including idea screening, prototype evaluation, and final pitches. Winners receive prizes, incubation support, and pilot opportunities.
MeitY Startup Hub — Launch Your Tech Startup with Government Support
We help tech startups navigate MSH programmes, apply for GENESIS funding, and access MeitY’s accelerator and incubator network. Complete handholding support.