Government of Karnataka's flagship startup initiative offering grants up to Rs. 50 lakh through ELEVATE and Idea2PoC.
## Overview
**Startup Karnataka** is the Government of Karnataka's flagship startup ecosystem brand, executed by the **Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS)** under the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T. It is widely regarded as one of India's most active state-level startup programs, having backed hundreds of early-stage technology startups since 2015.
## Programs
The marquee initiative is **ELEVATE** (formerly Idea2PoC) , an annual grant-in-aid challenge that disburses non-dilutive grants of up to **Rs. 50 lakh** to innovative, technology-driven startups headquartered in Karnataka. ELEVATE runs multiple tracks each year:
- **ELEVATE (General)** , open cohort for innovative startups across all sectors
- **ELEVATE Unnati** , exclusively for SC/ST-led startups
- **ELEVATE Shakti** , exclusively for women-led startups
- **ELEVATE Aspire** , Beyond Bengaluru track for startups based outside Bengaluru Urban
- **ELEVATE Minorities** , for minority-led startups as defined under Karnataka jurisdiction
Startup Karnataka also runs **NXT** (the next-gen track for deep-tech and emerging sectors), sector-specific accelerators, and the Karnataka Startup Cell that connects founders with government departments and academia.
## Funding & Support
Grants are pure grants-in-aid , **no equity dilution**. Alongside capital, selected startups get incubation support at recognised Karnataka incubators, structured mentoring, market access to government and corporate buyers, and follow-on VC introductions through the Karnataka Government's venture network.
## Eligibility
Startups must be registered (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or partnership) in Karnataka, be less than 10 years old, have turnover under Rs. 100 crore, and be working on innovative products/services. Specific tracks have additional eligibility based on founder demographics or location.
## Track Record
Since inception, ELEVATE has funded **600+ startups** with grants totalling **over Rs. 150 crore**, with portfolio companies going on to raise meaningful follow-on capital from VC investors. Apply through the official portal at eitbt.karnataka.gov.in.
## Who Should Apply
Karnataka-incorporated startups with a working prototype or early traction, looking for non-dilutive grant capital plus government ecosystem access.
Startup Karnataka currently has 4 programs listed in this directory, including ELEVATE Aspire 2026 , Startup Karnataka Grant (Beyond Bengaluru), ELEVATE 2026 , Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program, ELEVATE Unnati 2026 , Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders. Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.
Yes. Startup Karnataka is listed under the government category. Its programs follow official government processes, and applications are submitted through official channels in your own name.
Start with the stages and sectors shown on this profile, then open the program pages for eligibility conditions and document checklists. If you want a structured view, send an enquiry below and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit and readiness.
No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of Startup Karnataka and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.
Tell us what you are building and which Startup Karnataka program you are evaluating. An IncorpX advisor will help you assess fit and get application-ready.
Thanks! An IncorpX advisor will reach out shortly to talk through Startup Karnataka and your next steps.
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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