Bengaluru: Individual innovators in Karnataka can apply for grants of up to ₹4 lakh under the state’s Grassroots Innovation Programme for 2026–27. Applications close at 5 p.m. on November 23, 2026.
The programme, implemented through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), supports the development and commercialisation of practical solutions to everyday problems. Grants go to selected, feasible projects after expert evaluation; the maximum amount is not an automatic payment to every applicant.
Who can apply?
The official application form requires applicants to be Indian citizens domiciled in Karnataka. It says the beneficiary or innovation should not have received funding from the Karnataka government or Government of India. The innovation must not be part of a government initiative, aided partner or public-private partnership company or firm.
Applicants must provide a voter ID or ration card and proof of profession, such as a professional qualification certificate, professional ID, government document or Labour Department identity card. The form also asks for details of the innovation, the problem it addresses, social relevance, tangible outputs and commercialisation efforts, along with a photograph or video of the innovation.
Selected winners will have to establish a formal entity; the form expressly says proprietorship is not allowed.
How projects are assessed
An Expert Approval Committee evaluates applications. The 100-point criteria give 30 points each to novelty and social impact, 20 to business potential, and 10 each to feasibility and implementation and environmental sustainability.
The programme covers areas including agriculture, healthcare, education, the environment, technology, traditional crafts, community organisation and local economic development. Minister Priyank Kharge said it aims to help farmers, artisans, workers and local innovators turn their ideas into useful solutions.
Application link, deadline and help
Apply online using the official Grassroots Innovation application form by November 23, 2026, 5 p.m. Applicants should read the complete criteria and document requirements before applying.
For queries, KITS lists 08022231006 and eventsec.kits@gmail.com.
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