FundingFunding opportunities up to ₹10 Lakh through ACIC-VGU schemes
Equity-free Idea AI, SaaS & Enterprise
ClosesAug 15, 2026
Closed Grant Equity-free
ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka
by KBITS, Government of Karnataka
The Idea2PoC/ELEVATE program is a Government of Karnataka initiative designed to support and fund innovative startups. This one-time Grant-in-Aid provides up to Rs. 50 Lakhs in early-stage seed funding to help startups develop their ideas into a proof of concept and scale their businesses. Startups selected for the program will also receive mentoring and incubation support at subsidized rates at government-supported incubation centers.
Check your readinessShare a few details and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit, documents and timelines for this scheme. Free, no obligation.
About this scheme
The Idea2PoC/ELEVATE program is a Government of Karnataka initiative designed to support and fund innovative startups. This one-time Grant-in-Aid provides up to Rs. 50 Lakhs in early-stage seed funding to help startups develop their ideas into a proof of concept and scale their businesses. Startups selected for the program will also receive mentoring and incubation support at subsidized rates at government-supported incubation centers.
Who can apply
- The startup must be incorporated as a private limited company, partnership firm, or limited liability partnership in Karnataka.
- The entity's turnover for any financial year since incorporation has not exceeded Rs. 100 Crores.
- The startup must be up to 10 years old from the date of incorporation.
- Startups must be working towards innovation/improvement of existing products, services, and processes.
- The startup must not be a subsidiary, franchise, Section 8 company, trust, association, or a result of a merger/demerger.
- Entities who have previously won under the Idea2PoC/ELEVATE Grant Scheme or other State Government Grants are not eligible until 3 years have passed from the date of the previous selection.
- For SC/ST Entrepreneurs
- At least one Director/Partner must belong to the SC/ST community and hold a minimum of 70% equity in the company/firm.
- The SC/ST Director/Partner must possess a valid digital caste certificate from the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka.
Official application
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Applications are submitted directly with KBITS, Government of Karnataka, in your own name. Share a few details and we will point you to the official application portal and help you prepare a complete submission.
Here is the official application link
Apply in your own name with KBITS, Government of Karnataka. Want a second pair of eyes before you submit? An IncorpX advisor can help you prepare.
Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
How much funding does ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka provide?
ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka provides up to Rs. 50 lakh. The exact amount sanctioned depends on the proposal and the evaluation by the program authority.
Is ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka currently accepting applications?
Closed on Sep 17, 2025. Always confirm the current window with the program authority before preparing your application.
Does ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka take equity?
No. This program is listed as equity-free, which means the funding does not dilute your shareholding. Review the official terms for any debt or convertible components.
Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
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