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ClosesAug 15, 2026
Closed Grant Equity-free Women founders
ELEVATE Shakti 2026: Karnataka Women-Led Startup Grant
ELEVATE Shakti 2026 is a Karnataka Government grant offering up to Rs. 50 lakh in equity-free funding for eligible women-led startups with at least 51% women ownership.
Check your readinessShare a few details and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit, documents and timelines for this scheme. Free, no obligation.
- Up to ₹50 lakh equity-free grant
- Exclusive funding for women-led startups
- Minimum 51% women ownership required
- Government-backed mentorship and incubation support
- Milestone-based grant disbursement
About this scheme
ELEVATE Shakti 2026 is a Karnataka Government startup grant that provides up to ₹50 lakh in equity-free funding to eligible women-led startups. Implemented by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) under the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Science & Technology, the programme supports women entrepreneurs in developing innovative products, services, and technologies into commercially viable businesses.
Who can apply
- Startup registered in Karnataka, based anywhere in the state
- A woman or group of women as founder or co-founder, holding at least a 51% stake in the company / firm, maintained through the entire project duration
- Incorporated as a Private Limited Company, One Person Company, Registered Partnership Firm, LLP, or State/Multi-State Co-operative Society
- Within 10 years of the date of incorporation at the time of application
- Annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 200 crore in any financial year since incorporation
- Independent entity , not a subsidiary, spin-off or internal division of an existing company
- Minimum team size of two individuals
- Not a beneficiary of the ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid scheme in the last 3 years
- Working on innovation or improvement of products, services or processes with potential to create jobs, wealth or market opportunities
Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, Section 8 / NGO
Benefits & funding
Headline support
Up to Rs. 50 lakh
- Up to ₹50 lakh equity-free funding
- Mentorship from K-Tech Innovation Partners
- Access to government-supported incubators and Centres of Excellence
- Milestone-based funding in two tranches
- Government recognition and startup ecosystem support
How the application process works
The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Startup Karnataka, in your own name.
- 1
Register on the ELEVATE application portal.
- 2
Complete the online application form.
- 3
Upload all required documents.
- 4
Submit your startup pitch deck.
- 5
Attend the Multi-City Pitching round.
- 6
Qualify for the Grand Finale based on jury evaluation.
- 7
Sign the tripartite agreement if selected.
- 8
Receive the grant in milestone-based tranches.
Want a second pair of eyes before you submit?IncorpX provides assistance for structuring proposals and organising the paperwork this process expects.
Documents checklist 6
- Pitch Deck
- CA Revenue Certificate
- Incorporation Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Partnership Deed Certificate
- Non-Beneficiary Affidavit
Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.
Official application
Ready to apply? Get the official link
Applications are submitted directly with Startup 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 Startup 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 is available under ELEVATE Shakti?
Eligible startups can receive a one-time equity-free grant of up to ₹50 lakh.
Who can apply for ELEVATE Shakti 2026?
Women-led startups registered in Karnataka where a woman or group of women holds at least 51% ownership can apply.
Is ELEVATE Shakti an equity-free grant?
Yes. The Government of Karnataka provides the grant without taking any equity in the startup.
What is the last date to apply?
Applications close on 4 July 2026.
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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