Varies
Government
Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Government of Karnataka body driving IT/ITeS and digital economy growth beyond Bengaluru, running district-level startup challenges via KDEM Beyond Bengaluru.
2Programs
Programs by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
1 open now · 1 past
Open now
Past programs
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), separate from the funding calls above.
Talent Accelerator
ProgrammeAims to bridge the supply and demand gap of skilled talent across emerging IT hubs in Karnataka through competency building in future skills.
Talent Accelerator aims to bridge the supply and demand gap of skilled talent across emerging IT hubs in Karnataka through its strategic interventions such as competency building for fresh graduates and existing workforce in future skills through industry-academic collaboration. It focuses on providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity, to meet the rising demands of industries in a rapidly changing global economy.
Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN)
AcceleratorA six-month acceleration program designed to boost the acceleration ecosystem in the state, offering comprehensive support to growth stage startups.
The six-month acceleration program offers growth stage startups comprehensive support through a series of modules, including cohort readiness, business strategy revisits, market validation, customer acquisition, and investment readiness. Additionally, startups will receive mentorship, access to infrastructure and market linkages. The program culminates in a demo day where startups showcase their progress and innovation to investors.
Fellowship Programme
FellowshipA fellowship program for Indian students (UG/PG, under 28) interested in various verticals like Start-up and Innovation, ESDM, IT/ITEs and GCC, Talent Accelerator, Beyond Bengaluru.
Eligibility criteria includes being an Indian, currently pursuing any Under-Graduate or Post-Graduate Degree, and being under 28 years of age. Applicants select a vertical (Start-up and Innovation, ESDM, IT/ITEs and GCC, Talent Accelerator, Beyond Bengaluru) and a sector (Healthtech, Medtech, Aerospace, Foodtech, Agritech, Fintech, AI & Robotics, Cybersecurity, Semicon, Startup Research, Whitepapers) for their fellowship.
Incubation tracks
The routes into Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) | Acceleration | — | cohort readiness, business strategy revisits, market validation, customer acquisition, investment readiness, mentorship, access to infrastructure, market linkages |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
Premium workspaces
Access via KAN partner network
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Business advisoryIP & patents
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
Government of Karnataka Initiative
About Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is a Government of Karnataka initiative aimed at accelerating the state's digital economy by supporting technology startups, fostering innovation, and attracting global tech investments. KDEM works to position Karnataka as a leading global digital economy hub.
Programs & Initiatives
KDEM runs and supports multiple startup-focused programs including:
- Scale-Up Program — Helping growth-stage tech startups scale rapidly with market access, mentoring, and investor connections
- Digital Karnataka — Infrastructure and policy support for tech startups
- ELEVATE — Karnataka's flagship startup grant program providing non-equity seed funding
- Partnerships with global tech companies and accelerators
What Startups Receive
- Non-dilutive seed grants through ELEVATE (up to ₹50 lakhs)
- Market access support and buyer connections
- Policy advocacy and regulatory facilitation
- Introductions to VCs and angel investors
- Soft landing support for global expansion
- Access to Karnataka's deep tech talent pool
Eligibility
Open to technology startups based in or willing to operate from Karnataka. Priority given to startups with scalable, technology-driven business models.
Track Record
Karnataka is home to India's largest startup ecosystem outside of national rankings, with Bengaluru being recognized as a top-5 global startup hub. KDEM has supported hundreds of startups through ELEVATE and other schemes.
Who Should Apply
Growth-stage tech startups looking for government support, grant funding, and a platform to scale within Karnataka's thriving digital economy.
Who they work with
Stage
Sectors
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Peak XV Partners
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Siemens Healthineers
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ACSEL Technology Forum
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Up to ₹20L
Varies
Up to ₹15L
₹1.3Cr – ₹2.5Cr
