KITS Grassroots Innovation 2026
By Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS)
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Quick Answer
Opportunity for farmers, technicians, or labourers with innovative ideas to receive grant support of up to ₹4 lakh to develop and implement their practical, ground-level solutions in Karnataka.
About this grant
The Department of E, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), proudly presents the Grassroots Innovation Programme 2026. This initiative is designed to empower individuals such as farmers, technicians, and labourers who possess ingenious, practical solutions to everyday challenges at the ground level. The program serves as a vital platform for these grassroots innovators to transform their inventive ideas into tangible, impactful change. By focusing on local challenges and solutions, the programme aims to foster a culture of innovation from the ground up, contributing to the socio-economic development of Karnataka. It encourages the development and implementation of innovations across a wide array of sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to environment and education, ensuring that even the most localized brilliant ideas receive the recognition and support they deserve to scale and make a difference. The program highlights the importance of indigenous innovation and aims to bring these often-overlooked solutions into the mainstream, providing them with the necessary resources and exposure.
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
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹4L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- Grant support of up to ₹4 lakh is provided to selected innovations. This financial assistance is specifically aimed at helping grassroots innovators develop and implement their ideas, transforming practical, ground-level solutions into impactful change. The grant helps cover the costs associated with prototyping, testing, market validation, and initial implementation phases. While the program primarily offers direct financial aid, the broader support from KITS and the Government of Karnataka also provides a foundational ecosystem for innovators to thrive and bring their solutions to a wider audience. This empowers beneficiaries to convert their inventive concepts into sustainable enterprises.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the Grassroots Innovation Programme 2026 are evaluated by an Expert Approval Committee appointed by KITS. The committee assesses each application based on a comprehensive 100-point evaluation matrix, focusing on several key areas. These include Novelty (30 points), which assesses the uniqueness and originality of the innovation and how it differs from existing solutions in terms of approach, technology, or application; Social Impact (30 points), evaluating the potential and actual impact on the local community, including inclusivity, sustainability, and societal benefit; Business Potential (20 points), assessing commercialization and scalability, market demand, revenue generation potential, and economic sustainability; Feasibility and Implementation (10 points), considering the practicality, resources required, and technological requirements; and Environmental Sustainability (10 points), evaluating the innovation's impact on the environment, including resource use, waste generation, and ecological footprint. Based on these recommendations, a maximum financial grant of up to ₹4 lakh is provided to feasible projects.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Fill out the Google Form with personal, professional, and innovation details, and upload mandatory documents.
You - 2
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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.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for this program?
Indian citizens residing in Karnataka, who are farmers, technicians, or labourers with an innovative idea not previously funded by the government, are eligible. They must also submit mandatory documents like Voter ID/Ration Card and proof of profession.
What kind of funding is provided?
Selected innovations can receive a financial grant of up to ₹4 lakh, disbursed to help develop and implement their innovative ideas. This grant is non-repayable and equity-free.
What are the broad areas of innovation supported?
The program supports a wide range of grassroots innovations including those in agriculture, healthcare, environment, technology, education, social, cultural domains, as well as community organization, traditional crafts, and local economic development initiatives. Specific sectors listed in the application include IT/ITES, Bio-tech, ESDM, Food, AVGC, Space, and Fashion.
What happens after selection?
Once onboarded as a Grassroot Winner, the innovator will be required to set up a formal entity. Please note that proprietorships are not allowed for this formal entity, so alternatives like Private Limited Company, LLP, OPC, or Partnership must be established.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are meticulously evaluated by an Expert Approval Committee. The assessment is based on a 100-point scale covering criteria such as the novelty and originality of the innovation, its potential social impact on the local community, business potential for commercialization and scalability, feasibility and ease of implementation, and its environmental sustainability.
Can I apply if my innovation has received prior government funding?
No, the program explicitly states that the beneficiary or innovation should not have received any funds from the Government of Karnataka or the Government of India to be eligible for this programme.
