Priyank Kharge. Photo supplied with the announcement.
Bengaluru: Startups seeking funding to develop a prototype, take a product to market or commercialise a DeepTech innovation can apply for Karnataka’s latest ELEVATE grant programmes from October 13. ELEVATE Minorities 2026 offers a one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh, while ELEVATE NxT 2026–27 offers eligible DeepTech startups support of up to ₹1 crore.
Applications for both programmes open at 9 am on October 13 and close at 5 pm on November 13. The Department of Electronics, IT & BT has directed applicants to its website, eitbt.karnataka.gov.in/en. Startups must meet the prescribed incorporation and registration requirements for the respective programme.
Karnataka Home, IT, Biotechnology and E-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge said the two initiatives would widen access to early-stage funding for minority entrepreneurs and help ventures working at the frontier of science and engineering move towards product development, commercialisation and scale.
Who can seek the ₹50 lakh grant?
ELEVATE Minorities is intended for innovative startups founded by entrepreneurs from minority communities. The announcement lists Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and Parsis among the recognised communities covered by the call.
The grant can support prototype development, market development and scale-up. Selected startups will also receive mentoring and incubation support through government-backed centres at subsidised rates and will be mapped to K-Tech Partners.
Selection has four stages: online application, eligibility and document verification, in-person pitching, and the Grand Finale and winner selection. Evaluation will consider innovation, socio-economic impact, business model, team capability and use of the proposed budget. A minimum score of 60 marks is required to qualify for the Grand Finale.
Up to ₹1 crore for DeepTech ventures
The second ELEVATE NxT call targets startups whose technologies are rooted in scientific discovery, advanced engineering and proprietary development. Priority areas include AI and generative AI, quantum technologies, drones and autonomous systems, advanced materials, robotics, industrial automation, and space and satellite technology.
Its five-stage selection process comprises application submission, eligibility screening, a DeepTech qualification assessment, in-person pitching and Grand Finale evaluation. Startups at the pitching stage must score at least 60 marks to qualify for the Grand Finale.
Applicants must submit two prescribed pitch decks: one demonstrating their DeepTech credentials and another setting out the market opportunity, product strategy, commercialisation roadmap and growth plans. Evaluation will examine the scientific foundation, research and development, business model, socio-economic potential, founding team and grant-utilisation plan.
Funding tied to formalities and milestones
Grants under both programmes will be paid in two tranches. The first follows completion of post-selection formalities and programme agreements; the second depends on achievement and review of approved milestones. Selected ventures will be linked with K-Tech Innovation Partners, Centres of Excellence and ecosystem partners for mentoring, incubation, technology validation, market access and industry connections.
The department said the first ELEVATE NxT edition received 983 applications from across India and supported 33 DeepTech startups with ₹30 crore in seed funding. Twelve of those startups were led by women. The cohort included ventures from Bengaluru, elsewhere in Karnataka and other Indian cities.
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