Deadline: 11 November 2025
The GENESIS–Pilot Program at Neuron Centre of Excellence (CoE), STPI Mohali, Punjab, launched by the Government of India and the Government of Punjab, aims to foster innovation, validate pilot solutions, and strengthen the deep-tech ecosystem in the ICT sector.
The focus areas of the program include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics (DA), Internet of Things (IoT), and Animated Visual Graphics (AVG). The program also targets domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Electronics, DeepTech, Emerging Technologies, ESDM (Electronic System Design and Manufacturing), Internet of Things (IoT), Rural Infrastructure, Smart City, Smart Home, Green Electronics, Semiconductor Design, and PCB Design.
The initiative recognizes startups and entrepreneurship as key pillars for economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness. It aims to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovative startups, ensure convergence of Central and State programs promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitate networking among reputed academic institutions, incubators, and accelerators. It also seeks to stimulate the establishment and growth of technology-based startups working in AI, Big Data, IoT, and Audio-Visual Games while enhancing job creation and the economic health of the state.
The STPI–Neuron CoE in Mohali offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, a 1.4 lakh square feet incubation facility, plug-and-play co-working spaces, AI/Data Analytics and IoT labs, access to mentorship programs and venture capital funding, and a Tier III Data Center. Startups can benefit from ready-to-use internet bandwidth, cost-effective services, and access to an industry-best mentor pool.
The program provides financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh in two tranches based on milestone achievement, plug-and-play workspace, dedicated mentoring and technical support, access to advanced labs, and skill enhancement opportunities. For corporates, eligibility requires a minimum turnover of ₹75 crore, at least five years of operation, and preference is given to government entities, PSUs, Fortune 500 companies, large corporates, and unicorn startups. Startups must be DPIIT-registered, have an MVP or working prototype, a viable business plan, and a pilot work order or purchase order from an eligible corporate or PSU.
The GENESIS–Pilot Program seeks to bridge the gap between Minimum Viable Product and commercialization by enabling startups from Tier-II and Tier-III cities to demonstrate market-ready solutions. It also aims to provide startups with credibility and traction, encourage corporate engagement with emerging technologies, and strengthen industry–startup collaboration in ICT, AI, and deep-tech product development.
Expected outcomes include successful completion of structured pilots with corporates and PSUs, generation of intellectual property and startup revenues, increased job opportunities, and enhanced adoption of startup-led solutions by large enterprises. Ultimately, the program contributes to strengthening the national innovation ecosystem within the ICT, AI, and deep-tech domains.
For more information, visit STPI–Neuron CoE, Mohali.
