Karnataka will open applications on October 13 for two startup funding schemes offering grants of up to ₹1 crore to DeepTech ventures and ₹50 lakh to entrepreneurs from minority communities, giving eligible businesses a month to seek state-backed financial assistance.
The Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology announced the launch of ELEVATE NxT 2026-27 and ELEVATE Minorities 2026 on Monday. Applications for both programmes will close on November 13, 2026, and can be submitted through the department’s official website.
The schemes target two distinct segments of the startup ecosystem: early-stage businesses led by entrepreneurs from recognised minority communities, and technology ventures working on advanced scientific and engineering innovations. Selected startups will receive grants alongside mentoring, incubation, technology validation and market-linkage support.
Karnataka ELEVATE schemes: Who can apply for grants up to ₹1 crore?
ELEVATE Minorities 2026 offers eligible startups a one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh to develop prototypes, expand market presence and scale operations. The programme also provides access to mentoring and incubation facilities at subsidised rates through government-backed centres.
Eligibility extends to entrepreneurs from minority communities recognised by the Karnataka State Minorities Commission and the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, including Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and Parsis.
Applicants will go through online submission, eligibility and document verification, in-person pitching and a Grand Finale. Evaluation criteria include innovation, socio-economic impact, business-model viability, team capability and budget utilisation. Startups must score at least 60 marks to qualify for the Grand Finale.
ELEVATE NxT 2026-27, meanwhile, is designed for startups developing DeepTech products and solutions based on scientific discovery, research and advanced engineering.
Priority sectors include artificial intelligence, generative AI, quantum technologies, drones, autonomous systems, robotics, advanced materials, industrial automation and space technologies. Eligible startups can seek financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore.
The second edition follows an inaugural programme that received 983 applications from across India and supported 33 DeepTech startups with ₹30 crore in seed funding. Twelve of the supported startups were led by women entrepreneurs.
The NxT selection process includes application submission, eligibility screening, assessment of DeepTech credentials, pitching and Grand Finale evaluation. Startups will be assessed on scientific foundations, research and development, commercialisation strategy, socio-economic impact, the expertise of founding teams and proposed budget utilisation.
Applications close November 13: Funding tied to milestones
Both schemes will release grants in two tranches, linked to completion of formalities and achievement of approved milestones. The funding structure means selected startups will need to meet the programme’s requirements rather than receive the entire grant unconditionally at the outset.
Beyond financial assistance, beneficiaries will have access to mentoring, incubation, technology validation and market linkages through Karnataka’s startup-support ecosystem.
Priyank Kharge, Karnataka Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance, said the initiatives reflected the state government’s commitment to building an inclusive, innovation-driven startup ecosystem.
For founders planning to apply, the immediate deadlines are clear: applications open October 13 and close November 13, 2026. Applicants will need to verify the detailed eligibility conditions and documentation requirements through the Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology’s official website before submitting their proposals.
The two programmes combine targeted entrepreneurship support with funding for advanced technology development, while making selection dependent on eligibility checks, evaluation criteria and approved milestones.