ELEVATE Program - ELEVATE NXT 2026

ELEVATE program is a Government of Karnataka initiative designed to support and fund innovative startups in Karnataka, helping them validate proof of concept and scale their solutions to the next level.

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Objective

ELEVATE Program

To establish a transparent, accountable, and standardized process for identifying and supporting startups across the country through grant-in-aid funding under the program, in alignment with Karnataka's strategic vision for innovation-led industrial transformation.

This program specifically targets startups that leverage advanced technologies to develop novel-to-market solutions for complex and unresolved challenges, or that invent new technologies rooted in core scientific and engineering fundamentals.

₹1 Crore

Grant-in-Aid per Selected Startup

Up to ₹1 crore with milestone-based funding and dedicated mentorship.

TRL 3–8

Supported Technology Readiness Levels

Technologies between Experimental Proof of Concept and fully qualified systems.

Pan India

Open to Startups Across India

Any startup incorporated in India is eligible to apply, regardless of location.

Qualification

Eligible innovations leverage advanced technologies to solve complex, unresolved challenges — rooted in core scientific and engineering fundamentals, with high IP potential and global competitiveness.

Advanced Technologies

AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, Big Data & Analytics, AR/VR, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Drones

High Technical Complexity

Potential to redefine existing industries or create entirely new markets

Multi-Technology Integration

Solving problems at the intersection of multiple domains requiring combined expertise

Core Science & Engineering

Rooted in new scientific discoveries, complex engineering, or proprietary technology development

Intellectual Property Potential

Patents, proprietary algorithms, or deep IP filings demonstrating innovation ownership

Societal Relevance

Disruptive potential with societal impact, global competitiveness, and market-creating ability

Focus Areas

Priority Sectors

Elevate NxT supports high-impact innovations across these sectors — not limited to this list. Startups in any domain may apply.

⚛️ Quantum Technologies

🌱 Energy & Climate

🚗 Mobility & Logistics

🧠 Generative AI

🔐 Cybersecurity & Secure Systems

💳 Fintech

🛰️ Space & Satellite

✈️ Aerospace & Defence

🌾 AgriTech & FoodTech

🧬 Health / Bio / Lifesciences

🔬 Nanotechnology

💾 Semiconductors & Microelectronics

⚙️ Industrial Automation

🏗️ Advanced Materials & Manufacturing

🤖 Robotics

➕ Others — specify in application

Who Can Apply

Eligibility Criteria

Startups from across India are eligible. All conditions below must be satisfied at the time of application.

Accepted Entity Types

Private Limited Company

Companies Act, 2013

Registered Partnership Firm

Partnership Act, 1932

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

LLP Act, 2008

Cooperative Society

Multi-State Cooperative Society registered with the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, or a Cooperative Society registered under any State or Union Territory Cooperative Societies Act with the respective Registrar of Cooperative Societies in India.

Pan-India Registration

Startups can be incorporated and based anywhere across India.

Revenue Under ₹100 Crore

Turnover must not exceed ₹100 Cr in any financial year since incorporation.

Within 20 Years of Incorporation

Must be within 20 years from the date of incorporation at time of application.

Independent Entity

Not a subsidiary, spin-off, or internal division of an existing company.

Minimum Team of 2

At least two individuals in the founding or core team.

No Prior ELEVATE Grant (3 Yrs)

Must not have received ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid benefit in the last 3 years.

Real-World Problem

Addressing a genuine problem in industry, society, or the environment — or creating a new market.

Additional Requirement — Startups Registered Outside Karnataka

Startups registered outside Karnataka that are declared winners must change their Registered Office of Company (RoC) to Karnataka within 4 months from the date of result announcement. Non-compliance will result in the application being treated as rejected.

Application

Application Process

Submit your online application through the Department's portal. Prepare all materials before you begin — incomplete applications will be rejected.

Required Application Details

Complete all fields in the online form

Enter required company and founder details as per the online form

Self-justification — a 200-word statement explaining why your startup qualifies

Select your Technology Readiness Level (TRL 1–9) from the dropdown

Upload Pitch Deck — follow the prescribed portal template

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

Select the level that best describes your technology

TRL 1: Basic principles observed

TRL 2: Technology concept formulated

TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept

TRL 4: Technology validated in lab

TRL 5: Technology validated in relevant environment

TRL 6: Technology demonstrated in relevant environment

TRL 7: System prototype in operational environment

TRL 8: System complete and qualified

TRL 9: Actual system proven in operational environment

About TRL

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

Pitch Deck

Startups to follow the template provided on the portal

Selection Process

Evaluation Process

A rigorous, anonymized multi-stage process ensuring only the most impactful startups are selected and funded.

Data Sufficiency Check

Non-compliant applications are immediately rejected

Applications failing any of the following conditions are automatically rejected:

Turnover less than ₹100 Crores in all financial years Application is within 20 years from date of incorporation Applicant self-identifies as a startup

Data Masking & Jury Allocation

Anonymization and expert panel assignment for unbiased evaluation

All startups will be given a unique id for data anonymization

Jury members are finalized based on domain expertise

Every jury member signs confidentiality and conflict-of-interest declarations

Each startup is assigned to two jury members, ensuring domain relevance and load balancing

No jury member evaluates the same startup in multiple roles

Jury members receive masked profiles and assess each startup to evaluate whether they qualify as a startup or not post data sufficiency

Level 1 — Jury Evaluation

Pitch Deck — DeepTech qualification review

Pitch Deck is reviewed by a two-member jury panel

The deck must justify why the startup qualifies

Declared TRL is also reviewed in this round

At least one jury member must agree for the startup to qualify

If both jury members disagree, the startup is disqualified

Jury decision at this stage is final

Startups that successfully clear this evaluation round will be invited to participate in the in person pitching session, where their business model and innovation will be assessed in greater detail

Level 2 — In-Person Pitching & Winner Selection

Round 1 → Grand Finale → Winner selection

Round 1 — In-Person Pitch

• 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

Round 2 — 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)

Round 140%

Grand Finale60%

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Winner Selection

• Winners are selected based on consolidated final scores
• The jury recognizes the most promising ventures under the program
• Innovation and scalability are key selection factors

Get Started

How to Apply

Submit your application via the official portal only. Only one application per startup is permitted.

Create your account with company and personal details

Select Program

Choose the Elevate call that fits your startup

Fill Application

Complete all sections including justification and TRL

Upload Documents

Upload both pitch decks, affidavit, and all supporting files

Submit

Review all details carefully and submit your application

Get Elevate ID

Receive your unique Elevate reference number for tracking

Create your account with company and personal details

Select Program

Choose the Elevate call that fits your startup

Fill Application

Complete all sections including justification and TRL

Upload Documents

Upload both pitch decks, affidavit, and all supporting files

Submit

Review all details carefully and submit your application

Get Elevate ID

Receive your unique Elevate reference number for tracking

Required

Mandatory Documents

Prepare and verify all documents before starting your application. Missing or invalid documents will result in automatic rejection.

Mandatory

Pitch Deck

Pitch deck as per the prescribed portal template. Highlight innovation and differentiation clearly.

Mandatory

Startup Affidavit

Notarized on ₹100 e-stamp paper. Signed by promoters. First party: Your Startup Name; Second party: KARNATAKA INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY (KITS). PDF, file size < 1 MB.

Mandatory

Incorporation Certificate

Valid certificate of incorporation of your registered entity as applicable to the entity type.

Mandatory

MOA / Partnership Deed

Memorandum of Association (for Pvt Ltd) or LLP / Partnership Deed certificate as applicable.

FY 2025–26

CA Revenue Certificate

CA certified revenue certificate for Financial Year 2025–26, confirming turnover below ₹100 Crore.

If Applicable

Patent Certificate

Patent filing or grant certificate (if applicable). Strengthens IP potential assessment during evaluation.