Karnataka is allocating Rs 25 crore over three years to support about 100 startups in piloting their technology projects within government departments, strengthening ties between innovation and public service delivery.
- Rs 25 crore funding to support 100 startups for government pilot projects
- Work orders of up to Rs 25 lakh each for technology solutions ready for deployment
- Pilots evaluated for outcomes, enabling broader public sector adoption
What happened
The Karnataka government announced a strategic funding initiative to empower startups with Rs 25 crore over three years as part of its Startup Policy 2025-30. This effort focuses on piloting innovative technology solutions in various government departments through the Government First programme, housed within the Elevate framework.
Selected startups will receive work orders worth up to Rs 25 lakh each to implement projects aimed at enhancing public services. The programme prioritizes solutions that are deployment-ready rather than early-stage research, ensuring swift integration into government operations.
Why it matters
By positioning the government as a first customer, Karnataka is fostering an ecosystem where startups can scale and validate their technologies through practical application in public administration. This approach reduces entry barriers for innovative enterprises and strengthens the link between technological advancement and societal benefit.
Allowing startups to retain their intellectual property rights encourages greater confidence in deploying proprietary technology within the public sector. Additionally, the focus on sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, agriculture, digital governance, and mobility highlights the government’s commitment to addressing critical areas with transformative technology.
What to watch next
Further developments to monitor include the transition of successful pilot projects into formal government procurement and how well these innovations scale across departments. The evolution of this government-led startup engagement model may provide a blueprint for other Indian states aiming to integrate technology-driven solutions into public services.