Startup Karnataka

Overview

Startup Karnataka is the Government of Karnataka's flagship startup ecosystem brand, executed by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) under the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T. It is widely regarded as one of India's most active state-level startup programs, having backed hundreds of early-stage technology startups since 2015.

Programs

The marquee initiative is ELEVATE (formerly Idea2PoC) — an annual grant-in-aid challenge that disburses non-dilutive grants of up to ₹50 lakh to innovative, technology-driven startups headquartered in Karnataka. ELEVATE runs multiple tracks each year:

• ELEVATE (General) — open cohort for innovative startups across all sectors
• ELEVATE Unnati — exclusively for SC/ST-led startups
• ELEVATE Shakti — exclusively for women-led startups
• ELEVATE Aspire — Beyond Bengaluru track for startups based outside Bengaluru Urban
• ELEVATE Minorities — for minority-led startups as defined under Karnataka jurisdiction

Startup Karnataka also runs NXT (the next-gen track for deep-tech and emerging sectors), sector-specific accelerators, and the Karnataka Startup Cell that connects founders with government departments and academia.

Funding & Support

Grants are pure grants-in-aid — no equity dilution. Alongside capital, selected startups get incubation support at recognised Karnataka incubators, structured mentoring, market access to government and corporate buyers, and follow-on VC introductions through the Karnataka Government's venture network.

Eligibility

Startups must be registered (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or partnership) in Karnataka, be less than 10 years old, have turnover under ₹100 crore, and be working on innovative products/services. Specific tracks have additional eligibility based on founder demographics or location.

Track Record

Since inception, ELEVATE has funded 600+ startups with grants totalling over ₹150 crore, with portfolio companies going on to raise meaningful follow-on capital from VC investors. Apply through the official portal at eitbt.karnataka.gov.in.

Who Should Apply

Karnataka-incorporated startups with a working prototype or early traction, looking for non-dilutive grant capital plus government ecosystem access.