What is the Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) Cohort 3?

KAN Cohort 3 is a six-month structured acceleration program by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) to foster high-potential startups in Karnataka, particularly in 'Beyond Bengaluru' regions. It offers mentorship, market access, investment readiness, and infrastructure support.

Who is eligible to apply for KAN Cohort 3?

Startups must be incorporated as any company type other than an OPC, be MVP-ready, at Proof-of-Concept to early revenue/traction, or already seed-funded. Founders need to be actively engaged, and the startup must be registered in Karnataka.

What kind of support does KAN Cohort 3 provide?

The program provides expert 1:1 mentorship, structured growth modules, market access opportunities including customer pilots, investor bootcamps and connects, access to corporate and ecosystem networks, peer learning, infrastructure access, IPR support, and a Demo Day with investors.

Are seed-funded startups eligible for this program?

Yes, seed-funded startups are explicitly mentioned as eligible in the criteria, alongside MVP-ready and early revenue/traction stage companies.

Is there any financial grant or equity investment from the program?

The program primarily offers acceleration services, mentorship, market access, and investor connections. No direct cash grant, prize, or equity stake is stated to be provided as part of the Cohort 3 program benefits.

What is the application process for KAN Cohort 3?

Applicants need to complete the official Google Form application with accurate information. Shortlisted startups will be contacted for further discussions, presentations, or due diligence as part of the comprehensive selection process.

KAN Accelerator 2026 KDEM Cohort 3: Rolling Applications

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Provider

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Bengaluru · Karnataka · India

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…

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Application Process

1
Apply Online
Complete and submit the official KAN Cohort 3 application form with all required company and founder details.
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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.
Open draft workspace
2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.

The Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) Cohort 3 is a flagship initiative by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), operating under the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka. This unique program, part of the broader Startup Karnataka initiative, aims to significantly boost the acceleration ecosystem within the state.

Designed as a comprehensive six-month program, KAN Cohort 3 provides high-potential startups with a structured pathway to growth. It is particularly focused on nurturing innovation across Karnataka, with a special emphasis on fostering startup development in the 'Beyond Bengaluru' regions. The program's core objective is to create a robust network of inter-linkages among various stakeholders, facilitating the translation of research and development activities into commercial success.

Participants benefit from a meticulously designed curriculum that includes modules on cohort readiness, strategic business planning, market validation, and effective customer acquisition strategies. A key focus is placed on investment readiness, preparing startups for successful fundraising through venture capitalists and angel investors. The program also supports the globalization of Indian tech startups, providing them with essential market linkages and industry connections.

Beyond direct support, KAN is committed to enhancing the overall performance of participating startups. It assists in raising venture capital, supports potential exits through acquisition, and helps startups gain critical customer traction. The ultimate goal is to empower growth-stage startups to scale up their operations, contributing to Karnataka's digital economy and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.

The KAN Cohort 3 program offers a comprehensive support package designed to accelerate startup growth over a six-month period. Selected startups will receive expert one-on-one and group mentorship from seasoned industry leaders and business advisors, providing tailored guidance on strategy, finance, and go-to-market execution. Participants gain crucial market access opportunities, including early customer pilots and market validation, and guidance on customer acquisition. The program emphasizes investor readiness, featuring bootcamps, curated connects with VCs and angel investors, and culminating in a highly visible Demo Day to showcase progress to potential funders and industry leaders. Furthermore, startups will benefit from infrastructure access, including premium workspaces across Karnataka, fostering a collaborative environment. Dedicated IPR support services are also provided, covering sensitization, protection, and compliance of intellectual property. The entire incubation support aims to effectively translate R&D into commercial gain, facilitating industry connections and promoting the globalization of Indian tech startups.

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KAN Accelerator 2026 KDEM Cohort 3

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