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Program Overview For Startups, Innovators, and Industry Collaborators

The 5G/5G+/6G Centre of Excellence supports startups developing innovative solutions that leverage next-generation wireless technologies.We focus on ideas that show originality, sectoral impact, and alignment with 5G, 5G+, or 6G advancements.

We welcome innovators working in wireless communication, network optimization, IoT, edge computing, AI/ML in telecom, satellite communications, cybersecurity, and related domains.


Program Component

The program comprises two components:

Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Fellowship

  • Fund Support: upto 4 Lakhs

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    • For EiR stage startups, a basic concept note is mandatory.
    • Selected EiR fellows must register their company in Uttar Pradesh within 60 days of fund sanction.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Grant        

  • Fund Support: upto 6 Lakhs

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    • For MVP stage startups, a working prototype is mandatory.
    • Incorporated startups should not be older than 5 years.

Important Note:

Applicant startups should be incorporated in Uttar Pradesh

Focus Area

The 5G/6G CoE is dedicated to enabling next-generation applications that harness the power of advanced wireless technologies to transform critical sectors. Our focus spans across:


  • Smart and Secure Communication

    Trusted and high-speed wireless solutions for civilian, industrial, and defense sectors.

  • Precision Healthcare

    Remote diagnostics, connected medical devices, and real-time data sharing for smarter healthcare delivery.

  • Intelligent Transportation

    Connected mobility solutions including autonomous vehicles, smart traffic systems, and V2X communication.

  • Smart Agriculture

    AI-driven farming with sensor-based monitoring, real-time data analytics, and precision irrigation.

  • Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

    High-bandwidth immersive applications for training, education, design, and simulation.

  • Industrial Automation (Industry 4.0)

    Smart factories, robotics, predictive maintenance, and real-time process control enabled by ultra-reliable networks.

We also focus on core 5G/6G capabilities and enabling technologies such as:

  • Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
  • Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC)
  • Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC)
  • Edge Computing, IoT, and AI-enabled Networks

At the 5G–6G Centre of Excellence, startups and innovators receive holistic support to accelerate their journey from concept to commercialization.

  • Incubation & Infrastructure Support: End-to-end support for startups in 5G/6G domains.
  • State-of-the-Art Lab Facilities: Access to 5G/6G testbeds.
  • Expert Mentorship: Guidance from IIT Kanpur faculty and industry leaders.
  • Funding Opportunities: Grants and investor connect via StartIn UP and other schemes.
  • Workshops & Training: Regular sessions on telecom, AI, hardware, and more
  • Legal & Admin Support:Assistance with IP, compliance, and registrations.
  • Prototype to Product: Support to build, test, and scale your innovation.
  • Networking & Visibility: Connect with key stakeholders and showcase your work.

Application Process

Step 1

Preliminary screening of the applications

Step 2

Presentation to Expert Committee

Step 3

Announcement of Selected Startups

Step 4

Agreement Signing & Fund Disbursement

Step 5

Support, Ongoing Monitoring, Milestone Tracking & Closure


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate?

Any graduate researcher innovator or startup with Indian citizens.

Senior research fellows/scholars having finished/finishing in <6 months PhD/Post-Doc.

Final semester students /recently graduated alumni of UG & PG in any discipline.

Independent innovators, scientists, and prospective entrepreneurs (BBA/MBA etc. Graduates) from across science, engineering, management, and technology schools/departments

What is the Startup stage we are looking for ?

The startup should be in the ideation, validation, or very early stages.

What is the frequency of call for applications ?

GENESIS EiR applications seek proposals once a year.

List of documents required for submission after the applicant/proposed startup is selected ?

Following documents must be submitted once the applicant/proposed startup is selected:

Certificate of Incorporation

Memorandum of Association

Articles of Association

MGT 7

AOC 4

Audit Report

Audited Financial Statements: A signed copy of the Financial Statement

KYC of Directors

Includes all the directors: 1. PAN Card 2. Aadhar Card

Board Resolution for Agreement

A signed copy of Board Resolution

GST Number

TAN Number

Bank details: Copy of bank statement/canceled cheque of new bank A/c.

Photograph of the Proposer

Does the applicant need to be virtually or physically incubated at SIIC, IIT Kanpur ?

The incubation can be virtual or physical depending upon the nature and other logistical aspects of the startup. It is mandatory for the startup to be incubated at SIIC, IIT Kanpur.