Karnataka's IT/BT department has launched a fresh round of applications for its flagship Elevate startup grant program, now featuring four simultaneous categories to foster wider participation and support for diverse founders across the state.
- Grant program offers one-time funding up to Rs 50 lakh to early-stage startups
- Four categories include women-led and SC/ST founder ventures for broader inclusion
- Program includes mentorship, incubation, and patent and marketing support
What happened
The Karnataka IT/BT department reopened applications for its Elevate program starting May 25, inviting early-stage startups to apply for grants of up to Rs 50 lakh. This funding round is unique as it simultaneously features four categories catering to diverse founder demographics and geographies: Elevate General, Elevate Shakti for women-led ventures, Elevate Unnati for SC/ST founders, and Elevate Aspire targeting startups from smaller cities and towns.
Since its inception in 2017, the Elevate program has completed 24 application cycles and supported more than 1,250 startups with cumulative grants exceeding Rs 293 crore. The program offers beneficiaries access to mentorship, incubation centers, and government-supported infrastructure to strengthen their businesses.
Why it matters
The inclusion of multiple categories under the Elevate program represents a strategic effort to broaden participation beyond Bengaluru-centric startups and address representation gaps among women entrepreneurs and marginalized communities like SC/ST founders. This shift is aimed at fostering a more equitable startup ecosystem statewide.
By providing not just funding but also access to patent support, marketing reimbursements, and quality certifications, the program helps address critical early-stage needs that contribute to the sustainability and scalability of startups. The focus on tier two and three cities also aligns with national priorities to decentralize innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
What to watch next
Stakeholders will be closely observing the applicant pool and awarded startups for this new combined category cycle, particularly how effectively the program reaches underrepresented groups and non-metropolitan regions. The impact of this inclusivity push on Karnataka's overall startup ecosystem will be an important measure of success.
Additionally, the ongoing support mechanisms such as mentorship and government-backed incubation will be critical in determining the long-term success of funded ventures. Monitoring follow-through on reimbursements and quality certification support will also provide insight into how well the program removes financial and regulatory barriers at early stages.