KBITS, Government of Karnataka
Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka
Not-for-profit under Karnataka's Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, with an acceleration network, a seed fund and a platform for districts beyond Bengaluru.
KBITS, Government of Karnataka at a glance
| Part of | Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka |
|---|---|
| Established | 2020 |
| Address | 6th Floor, 5th Stage, M.S. Buildings, Bangalore |
| Programmes | 4 standing programmes · 4 open calls right now |
| Stages supported | Growth |
| Official website | karnatakadigital.in |
| startupcell@karnataka.gov.in |
Programs by KBITS, Government of Karnataka
4 open now · 2 past · Filter all programs
What's next?
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Schemes implemented by KBITS, Government of Karnataka
2 schemes — each groups the funding calls run under it.
Which KBITS, Government of Karnataka programme fits you
4 programmes compared by who they are for, the stage they accept, how long they run and what they cost.
| Programme | Best for | Stage | Duration | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) | Growth-stage startups based in Karnataka. | Growth | Six months | — | — |
| Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund | Private limited companies in Karnataka operating from a Beyond Bengaluru district. | — | — | — | — |
| Beyond Bengaluru BLUE | High-potential startups from the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru clusters. | — | — | — | — |
| Global Innovation Alliance | Startups seeking market access to international markets. | — | — | — | — |
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at KBITS, Government of Karnataka, separate from the funding calls above.
The programmes differ in kind: an acceleration network, a seed fund, a platform and a market access alliance. The acceleration network's application deadline has passed.
Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN)
AcceleratorA six-month acceleration programme for growth-stage startups in Karnataka.
Best for: Growth-stage startups based in Karnataka.
- Growth
- Six months
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
KAN gives growth-stage startups in Karnataka a structured programme of modules, delivered over six months.
What you get
- Modules on cohort readiness, business strategy, market validation, customer acquisition and investment readiness
Who can apply
- Karnataka-based startups at the growth stage
How to apply
- The stated application deadline was 31 January 2026, so this call is closed.
A SEBI-registered venture capital fund that invests in startups operating from districts beyond Bengaluru.
Best for: Private limited companies in Karnataka operating from a Beyond Bengaluru district.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund is a SEBI-registered Category I AIF Venture Capital Fund. It invests in private limited companies that operate from a district in the Beyond Bengaluru region.
Who can apply
- Private limited companies incorporated in Karnataka
- Operating from a district in the Beyond Bengaluru region
How to apply
- Submit the single common application form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
How selection works: Any investment is subject to due diligence, legal and financial compliance checks, a term sheet and definitive agreements, and SEBI and other regulatory requirements.
Beyond Bengaluru BLUE
PlatformA platform that connects high-potential startups from the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru clusters with investors and industry leaders.
Best for: High-potential startups from the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru clusters.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Beyond Bengaluru BLUE connects high-potential startups from the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru clusters with VCs, angel investors and industry leaders. Founders can pitch, network and secure investment, and gain visibility within the state's innovation landscape.
Global Innovation Alliance
ProgrammeKDEM facilitates strategic alliances between Karnataka and partner countries, to help startups get market access abroad.
Best for: Startups seeking market access to international markets.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The Global Innovation Alliance helps startups get market access to international markets. KDEM facilitates strategic alliances between Karnataka and players in partner countries of the alliance.
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
Government of Karnataka
A Section 8 not-for-profit under the aegis of the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.
How to apply to KBITS, Government of Karnataka
Choose the right route
- Growth-stage startups in Karnataka: the Karnataka Acceleration Network. Its stated application deadline was 31 January 2026.
- Private limited companies in Beyond Bengaluru districts that want investment: the Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund.
- High-potential startups in the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru clusters: Beyond Bengaluru BLUE, to pitch and network with investors.
- Startups that need access to international markets: the Global Innovation Alliance.
How applications work
- The seed fund takes a single common application form, accepted on a rolling basis.
How selection works
- Seed fund investments are subject to due diligence, legal and financial compliance checks, a term sheet, definitive agreements, and SEBI and other regulatory requirements.
About KBITS, Government of Karnataka
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, with a focus on districts beyond Bengaluru. KBITS, the name this page uses, appears on the body's own site only as the title of a managing director in a board list, and the site does not say what the abbreviation stands for.
How the programmes work
The programmes differ in kind. The Karnataka Acceleration Network is a six-month acceleration programme for growth-stage startups. The Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund is a SEBI-registered venture capital fund that invests in companies. Beyond Bengaluru BLUE is a platform that connects startups with investors and industry leaders. The Global Innovation Alliance works on strategic alliances that help startups reach international markets.
Who can apply
Each programme sets its own eligibility. The acceleration network invites all Karnataka-based startups at the growth stage. The seed fund accepts applications from private limited companies incorporated in Karnataka that operate from a district in the Beyond Bengaluru region. BLUE is for high-potential startups from the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru clusters. The Global Innovation Alliance is for startups seeking market access abroad.
Results on the acceleration network page
The acceleration network's page reports 219 total applications. It also reports 12 and 19 startups completing the programme, employment generated of 148 (including team) and 25 or more, and revenue and funds raised by startups. These figures are self-reported on the page.
Industry partners
KDEM names ASSOCHAM, IESA and NASSCOM among its industry partners.
Scale
The state figures on the site are wider than the body's own work. They count more than 19,000 DPIIT-recognised startups in Karnataka as of 2025. Those are state-wide numbers, not KDEM's own count.
Get in touch
Send a message to KBITS, Government of Karnataka — we'll forward it on your behalf.
Who they work with
Stage
Sectors
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Frequently asked questions about KBITS, Government of Karnataka
What is KBITS, Government of Karnataka?
KBITS, Government of Karnataka is a government body based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
What does KBITS, Government of Karnataka do?
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.
Where is KBITS, Government of Karnataka located?
KBITS, Government of Karnataka is located at 6th Floor, 5th Stage, M.S. Buildings, Bangalore.
What programs does KBITS, Government of Karnataka run?
KBITS, Government of Karnataka currently has 4 open programmes: ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program, Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy, Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement) and Reimbursement of VAT/CST/GST on Goods Supplied to Incubatees: Karnataka Startup Policy. 2 further programmes have run in the past.
Is KBITS, Government of Karnataka open to applications?
Yes. KBITS, Government of Karnataka has 4 open programmes right now, including ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program, Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy and Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement). Check each programme's page for its deadline and eligibility.
What sectors does KBITS, Government of Karnataka support?
KBITS, Government of Karnataka works with startups in IT/SaaS, ESDM, Deep Tech, Biotech, FinTech and Sustainability and other sectors.
What stage of startup does KBITS, Government of Karnataka support?
KBITS, Government of Karnataka supports startups at the Ideation, Validation, Early Revenue and Growth stages.
Is KBITS, Government of Karnataka government recognised?
KBITS, Government of Karnataka holds the following recognitions and affiliations: Government of Karnataka.
How do I apply to KBITS, Government of Karnataka?
- Growth-stage startups in Karnataka: the Karnataka Acceleration Network. Its stated application deadline was 31 January 2026. - Private limited companies in Beyond Bengaluru districts that want investment: the Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund. - High-potential startups in the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru clusters: Beyond Bengaluru BLUE, to pitch and network with investors.
When was KBITS, Government of Karnataka founded?
KBITS, Government of Karnataka was founded in 2020. It is a government body.
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