Karnataka Invites Startups for Elevate Scheme with Grants up to INR 50 lakh
Offers a one-time grant of up to INR 50 lakh, with applications opening on May 25.
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Karnataka’s IT/BT department has opened fresh applications for its startup support programme Elevate, aiming to expand funding access for early-stage ventures across the state, according to ET media reports.
The programme offers a one-time grant of up to INR 50 lakh for selected startups, with applications set to open on May 25 through the official portal.
In a first, the government has introduced four categories under the scheme simultaneously to widen participation.
These include Elevate General for startups across sectors, Elevate Shakti for ventures with at least 51% women ownership, Elevate Unnati for founders from scheduled caste and scheduled tribes (SC/ST) communities, and Elevate Aspire for startups based in tier-two and tier-three regions.
“This call is particularly significant as we bring together four categories for the first time, ensuring opportunity is more inclusive and statewide,” said IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge.
Since its launch in 2017, the programme has supported more than 1,250 startups, with total committed grants exceeding INR 293 crore. Women-led ventures account for 330 beneficiaries, receiving nearly INR 77 crore, while 464 startups from outside Bengaluru have secured about INR 103 crore in funding.
Apart from financial support, selected startups gain access to mentorship, incubation facilities, and government-backed centres of excellence. The initiative operates under the Karnataka Startup Policy 2022–27, which also provides reimbursements for patent filings, GST, marketing, and quality certification.
Officials said the department has completed 24 funding calls under the programme so far.
Karnataka’s IT/BT department has opened fresh applications for its startup support programme Elevate, aiming to expand funding access for early-stage ventures across the state, according to ET media reports.
The programme offers a one-time grant of up to INR 50 lakh for selected startups, with applications set to open on May 25 through the official portal.
In a first, the government has introduced four categories under the scheme simultaneously to widen participation.
These include Elevate General for startups across sectors, Elevate Shakti for ventures with at least 51% women ownership, Elevate Unnati for founders from scheduled caste and scheduled tribes (SC/ST) communities, and Elevate Aspire for startups based in tier-two and tier-three regions.
“This call is particularly significant as we bring together four categories for the first time, ensuring opportunity is more inclusive and statewide,” said IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge.
Since its launch in 2017, the programme has supported more than 1,250 startups, with total committed grants exceeding INR 293 crore. Women-led ventures account for 330 beneficiaries, receiving nearly INR 77 crore, while 464 startups from outside Bengaluru have secured about INR 103 crore in funding.
Apart from financial support, selected startups gain access to mentorship, incubation facilities, and government-backed centres of excellence. The initiative operates under the Karnataka Startup Policy 2022–27, which also provides reimbursements for patent filings, GST, marketing, and quality certification.
Officials said the department has completed 24 funding calls under the programme so far.
