AIC RAISE, a leading incubation centre, hosted the Next Gen Startup Pulse, marking the launch of the Genesis Scheme, an initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aimed at fostering startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
At the Next Gen Startup Pulse event, Rathinam Technical Campus (RTC) inaugurated its Living Lab, a cutting-edge space designed to integrate academia with industry, providing students with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.
The event was honoured by Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, who highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem, particularly in emerging regions.
He emphasized that the Genesis Scheme will provide crucial financial support, mentorship, and market access to budding entrepreneurs, ensuring inclusive growth beyond metropolitan cities.
He also inaugurated the Living Lab at Rathinam Technical Campus, reinforcing the importance of industry-academia collaboration.
AIC RAISE has been selected as an implementation partner for the Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS) Scheme by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). With an aim to boost the startup ecosystem in Tier- II & Tier-III cities, the scheme has been approved with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 490 Crore for a duration of 5 years.
The initiative is designed to scale up and sustain the startup ecosystem, focusing on discovering, growing, and nurturing technology
startups. It aims to support approximately 1600 tech startups over the next five years, providing crucial financial aid, mentorship, and industry exposure.
During the Next Gen Startup Pulse session, Panneerselvam Madanagopal elaborated on the scheme’s impact, emphasizing how it will empower startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that innovation and opportunities extend beyond metro hubs.
Madan A. Sendhil, Chairman of Rathinam Group of Institutions, reaffirmed Rathinam’s dedication to bridging the gap between education and industry. He further stressed the increased focus from both the central and state governments on supporting startups in 2025, particularly in emerging technologies, sustainability, and digital transformation.
The panel also featured Nagaraj, CEO and VP of AIC RAISE, and Pankaj Anand, Senior Manager – MeitY Startup Hub, who highlighted the critical role of incubation centres like AIC RAISE in guiding early-stage ventures from ideation to commercialization.
AIC RAISE continues to catalyze innovation by providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert mentorship, and funding opportunities. The incubation center is dedicated to shaping a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem by guiding startups from ideation to commercialization, making it a crucial player in Tamil Nadu’s startup landscape.
With initiatives like the Genesis Scheme, AIC RAISE reinforces its mission to empower entrepreneurs in smaller cities, ensuring that innovation and investment reach beyond metropolitan areas.
AIC RAISE and Rathinam Technical Campus with a shared vision of experiential learning and startup empowerment, continue to lead the way in industry collaboration, entrepreneurial development, and hands-on education, further solidifying their role in fostering future-ready talent.
