ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program
Under ELEVATE Karnataka by KBITS, Government of Karnataka
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Quick Answer
Government of Karnataka's flagship deep tech grant program offering up to ₹1 crore per startup, with mentorship and milestone-based funding, targeting science- and engineering-led innovations.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- KBITS, Government of Karnataka
- Application deadline
- 11d — 13 Nov 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
ELEVATE NxT is the DeepTech call of the Government of Karnataka's ELEVATE grant-in-aid scheme, run under the LEAP framework by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T. It backs startups building novel solutions to hard, unsolved problems with advanced technology such as AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Robotics, 3D printing and Drones, or inventing new technology rooted in science and engineering.
Selected startups can receive grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 crore, released against milestones, with mentorship alongside. The call is open to startups registered anywhere in India, up to 20 years old and with turnover under ₹300 crore. Winners registered outside Karnataka must move their registered office to Karnataka within four months of the results.
The first round is anonymous: a two-member jury reviews a 2-slide deck and your declared TRL (3 to 8) to decide whether you are DeepTech. Startups that clear it pitch in person, then in a Grand Finale.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is a not-for-profit Section 8 organisation under the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka. Its website lists several startup programmes across the state,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Up to ₹1 crore in grant-in-aid, plus structured mentorship and evaluation support throughout the program.
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Scored out of 100: Depth of research and development efforts (20), Strength of foundation and technical evaluation (20), Clarity of commercialisation strategy and business model (20), Potential socio-economic effect (20), Experience and expertise of the founding team (10), and Budgetary allocation and grant utilisation plan (10). Round 1 needs at least 60 to reach the Grand Finale. The final score is 40% Round 1 and 60% Grand Finale.
Application Process
- 1
Online Application
Apply on the ELEVATE portal: company and founder details, a 200-word DeepTech justification, your TRL (3 to 8), the two pitch decks and all mandatory documents.
You - 2
- 3
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- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to ₹1 crore, paid against milestones.
When do applications close?
Applications opened on 13 October 2026 and close on 13 November 2026 at 5:00 PM IST.
Can a startup from outside Karnataka apply?
Yes. If you win, you must move your registered office to Karnataka within four months of the results, or your application is treated as rejected.
How old can the startup be?
Up to 20 years from the date of incorporation, with turnover not above ₹300 crore in any year.
Can I put my company name in Pitch Deck 1?
No. Deck 1 must not show the company name, logo, founder names, address or patent details, and it must fit in 2 slides. Breaking either rule disqualifies you. Deck 2 (business model) is for the in-person round and is not anonymous.
What TRL do I need?
TRL 3 to 8, with proof such as a proof of concept, prototype or scientific validation.
Can I apply if I got an ELEVATE grant before?
Not if you received ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid in the last three years. You sign a non-beneficiary affidavit.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
News
- Karnataka ELEVATE Grants: Startups Can Apply for Up to ₹1 Crore From October 13thebengalurulive.com · 2 weeks ago
- Karnataka govt launches ELEVATE schemes to boost inclusive, DeepTech entrepreneurshiptheprint.in · 2 weeks ago
Source: Google News aggregated
