ELEVATE — Grant-in-Aid Program
ELEVATE shall provide a one-time Grant-in-Aid to startups in need of early-stage seed funding to transform their ideas into a proof-of-concept. Recognized startups under this scheme will continue to receive mentoring and incubation support at subsidized rates from government-backed incubation centers, assisting them in product development and validation.
The Department of Electronics, IT and BT, Government of Karnataka, is currently running two active calls under ELEVATE. Startups should review both to identify the call that fits them before applying.
ELEVATE NxT is Karnataka's DeepTech call — open Pan-India to startups building high-complexity, science- and engineering-rooted innovation with strong IP potential and global competitiveness.
Eligible innovations leverage advanced technologies to solve complex, unresolved challenges across priority sectors such as Quantum, AI, Space, Semiconductors, and more — rooted in core scientific and engineering fundamentals.
Startups applying for the program will undergo rigorous rounds of evaluation, with milestone based funding and mentorship provided to support their growth. Selected startups are eligible for up to ₹1 crore in grant-in-aid support.
Not limited to this list — startups in any domain may apply if they meet the DeepTech qualification above.
Prepare all materials before you begin — incomplete applications will be rejected.
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are used to measure how mature a technology is, from TRL 1 (basic principles observed) to TRL 9 (actual system proven in an operational environment).
View TRL reference guide📋 Pitch Deck Guidelines
Follow every rule below exactly. Deviating from format, length, or anonymity requirements can lead to disqualification.
A rigorous, anonymized multi-stage process ensuring only the most impactful startups are selected and funded.
Applications are screened for eligibility and document sufficiency. Applications failing any of the following conditions are automatically rejected:
- • Startup presents its business model to the jury panel
- • Evaluation is based on predefined criteria
- • A minimum score of 60 marks is required to qualify for the Grand Finale
- • Only startups that clear Round 1 advance here
- • The final score for each startup will be calculated as a weighted average, with 40% weightage from Round 1 (in person pitching) and 60% weightage from Round 2 (Grand Finale pitching)
- • Winners are selected based on consolidated final scores and ratified by the ELEVATE Evaluation Committee, chaired by the Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T
- • Winners receive Grant-in-Aid, subject to milestone-based disbursement and mapping to K-Tech Partners
- • Innovation and scalability are key selection factors
Missing or invalid documents will result in automatic rejection.
ELEVATE Minorities 2026 is run by the Department of Electronics, IT and BT, Government of Karnataka to identify and nurture the most innovative startups, focusing on supporting entrepreneurs from minority communities and giving them the necessary boost at various stages through funding or mentoring. A one-time grant of up to Rs. 50 Lakhs is given to encourage innovators who may need early-stage funding to develop a prototype, market development and scale-up.
This call is applicable to applicants belonging to the minority communities recognized by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, namely Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, and Parsis.
Prepare all materials before you begin — incomplete applications will be rejected.
The Director(s)/Partner(s) belonging to the Minority community and holding at least 51% shareholding must be personally present during the in-person pitching.
Winners are ratified by the ELEVATE Evaluation Committee, chaired by the Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, and receive Grant-in-Aid up to ₹50 Lakhs, subject to milestone-based disbursement and mapping to K-Tech Partners.
Missing or invalid documents will result in automatic rejection.
How to Apply
Contact & Key Dates
Submit your application before the deadline. Applications are accepted only through the official portal.
Ready to Apply?
Selected startups are eligible for grant-in-aid support — up to ₹1 Crore under ELEVATE NxT or ₹50 Lakhs under ELEVATE Minorities, along with mentorship, incubation support, and milestone-based funding disbursement.