The Karnataka IT/BT department finalized the Elevate Nxt 2026 program with the selection of 256 startups working in AI, quantum tech, spacetech, healthtech, and cleantech, offering up to Rs 1 crore in grants and targeted support.
- 256 startups selected from 983 applications across India
- Up to Rs 1 crore grant-in-aid and specialized mentorship provided
- Focus sectors include AI/ML, quantum, spacetech, healthtech, and cleantech
What happened
Karnataka's IT/BT department concluded the Elevate Nxt 2026 program by selecting 256 deeptech startups from a pool of 983 applicants. This year, the program expanded its scope from Karnataka-only to include deeptech startups across India. The sectors represented include artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum technologies, spacetech, healthtech, cleantech, and mobility among other frontier domains.
The selection and onboarding process was completed within 60 days, demonstrating a streamlined approach marked by transparency and effective coordination. The program offers each chosen startup up to Rs 1 crore in grant funding, combined with milestone-based disbursements, specialized mentorship, and access to ecosystem support designed to help transform laboratory innovations into scalable, competitive solutions.
Why it matters
This expanded national reach of Elevate Nxt 2026 highlights Karnataka’s strategic role as an anchor for India’s growing deeptech ecosystem. The program reinforces the state’s commitment to supporting science-led innovation and nurturing frontier technology startups that address complex, cutting-edge challenges.
By providing high-value grants and domain-specific mentorship, the initiative effectively lowers barriers for early-stage companies attempting to commercialize advanced technologies. The high participation and diversity among the selected startups reflect a maturing Indian innovation landscape with increasing capacity to compete on the global stage.
What to watch next
Stakeholders and observers should monitor how effectively the selected startups leverage the grant funding and mentorship to scale their innovations. The milestone-based support model offers a structured path for translating research breakthroughs into market-ready solutions, potentially accelerating India’s leadership in deeptech sectors.
The continued evolution and expansion of programs like Elevate could shape policymaker and investor decisions nationwide, serving as a blueprint for other states or regions aiming to foster innovation ecosystems. Tracking follow-on funding, commercialization milestones, and international collaboration outcomes will also be key indicators of the program’s long-term impact.