Published Oct 13, 2026 | 12:29 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2026 | 12:29 PM
Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home, e-Governance, Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, announced programmes on Tuesday.
Synopsis: Karnataka has invited applications for ELEVATE NxT 2026–27 and ELEVATE Minorities 2026, offering grants of up to ₹1 crore to DeepTech startups and ₹50 lakh to eligible startups led by minority entrepreneurs. ELEVATE NxT supports advanced technology ventures moving towards commercialisation, while ELEVATE Minorities provides seed funding, mentoring and subsidised incubation support to eligible businesses in which minority community members hold at least 51 percent equity.
The Karnataka government has invited applications for two startup funding programmes, offering grants of up to ₹1 crore to DeepTech ventures and up to ₹50 lakh to startups led by entrepreneurs from minority communities. Applications for ELEVATE NxT 2026–27 and ELEVATE Minorities 2026 will close on 13 November at 5 pm.
Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home, e-Governance, Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, announced programmes on Tuesday, 13 October.
“Over the last decade, across its various calls, the ELEVATE programme has supported more than 1,300 startups through grants and seed funding, helping founders across sectors turn ideas into products,” Kharge said in a post on X.
“Karnataka’s startup ecosystem grows stronger when more founders get the opportunity, capital and support to build ambitious companies here.”
Calling Karnataka’s entrepreneurs and deeptech builders. Applications now open for ELEVATE Minorities 2026 and ELEVATE NxT 2026–27.
Through ELEVATE Minorities, eligible startups led by minority entrepreneurs can access grants of up to ₹50 lakh, along with incubation and mentoring support.
ELEVATE NxT will support DeepTech startups with grants of up to ₹1 crore, helping promising ventures move from research and technology development towards commercialisation and scale.
Over the last decade, across its various calls, the ELEVATE programme has supported more than 1,300 startups through grants and seed funding, helping founders across sectors turn ideas into products
Applications for both programmes open on 13 October and close on 13 November 2026.
Karnataka’s startup ecosystem grows stronger when more founders get the opportunity, capital and support to build ambitious companies here.
Apply now: https://t.co/QTeAxJJqIN
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 13, 2026
Applications for both programmes can be submitted through the Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology’s portal at https://eitbt.karnataka.gov.in/en
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Under ELEVATE NxT, the government will provide grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 crore to DeepTech startups developing new technologies or novel solutions to complex problems. The programme aims to support ventures from technology development and research towards commercialisation and expansion. Startups will undergo multiple rounds of evaluation, with funding tied to milestones and mentorship to support their growth.
The programme is open to eligible startups across India. Applicants must have been incorporated within the previous 20 years, have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹300 crore in any financial year since incorporation, and employ at least two people. They must be independent entities and should not have received assistance under the ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid Scheme in the preceding three years.
Eligible applicants include private limited companies, registered partnership firms, limited liability partnerships and specified cooperative societies. Startups must demonstrate a DeepTech innovation based on advanced technology, scientific discoveries or complex engineering, with potential for intellectual property development and the creation of new markets. The programme covers technology readiness levels 3 to 8, requiring evidence such as a proof of concept, prototype or scientific validation.
Priority sectors include quantum technologies, energy and climate, mobility and logistics, generative artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, financial technology, space and satellites, aerospace and defence, agriculture and food technology, health and life sciences, nanotechnology, semiconductors, industrial automation, advanced materials, manufacturing and robotics. Applicants must also submit a 200-word statement explaining why their venture qualifies as a DeepTech startup.
Startups registered outside Karnataka that win funding must shift their registered office to the State within four months of the announcement of results. Failure to do so will result in rejection of the application.
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Under ELEVATE Minorities 2026, eligible startups can receive a one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh to develop ideas to the proof-of-concept stage and expand their businesses through technological improvements. The programme also provides mentoring and incubation support at subsidised rates at government-supported incubation centres to assist product development and validation.
The scheme is open to startups incorporated as private limited companies, one-person companies, registered partnership firms, limited liability partnerships and eligible cooperative societies. The entity must have a turnover not exceeding ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation or registration and must be no more than 10 years old.
At least one director or partner, or the qualifying members collectively, must belong to a recognised minority community and hold at least 51 percent equity in the company or firm. This ownership requirement must be maintained throughout the project. Any dilution or change in ownership that breaches the condition will lead to disqualification or termination of assistance. The minority-community director or partner must hold a valid digital minority certificate issued by the Karnataka Revenue Department with a valid RD number.
The eligible communities are Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and Parsis, as defined by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation. Applicant startups must be working on innovation or improvements to existing products, services or processes, with the potential to generate employment or create wealth.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
