ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka
Government of Karnataka grant of up to ₹50L for early-stage startups to develop proof of concept, with mentoring and incubation support.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- KBITS, Government of Karnataka (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (17 Sept 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The ELEVATE 2025 Challenge, also known as Idea2PoC/ELEVATE, is an initiative by the Karnataka government through KBITS to support innovative startups. This Grant-in-Aid program offers early-stage seed funding of up to ₹50 Lakhs to help founders turn their ideas into a viable proof of concept and scale their ventures. Beyond financial support, selected startups receive mentoring and incubation at subsidized rates at government-supported incubation centers. The program aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within Karnataka, focusing on startups that are working on improving existing products, services, or processes. It is a one-time grant designed to provide a strong foundation for startups in their early stages.
Highlights
- Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹50 Lakhs for early-stage startups.
- Mandatory incubation at K-tech Innovation Hub or Centre of Excellence.
- Mentoring support at subsidized rates.
- Open to startups incorporated as private limited, partnership, or LLP in Karnataka.
- Startup must be up to 10 years old and turnover below ₹100 Crores.
- Special eligibility for SC/ST entrepreneurs with at least 70% equity.
Who can apply
To apply for the ELEVATE 2025 grant, your startup must be registered as a private limited company, partnership firm, or limited liability partnership in Karnataka. The entity should not have exceeded a turnover of ₹100 Crores in any financial year since incorporation, and must be up to 10 years old from the date of incorporation. The startup must be working on innovation or improvement of existing products, services, or processes. It cannot be a subsidiary, franchise, Section 8 company, trust, association, or formed through a merger or demerger. If you have previously won under the Idea2PoC/ELEVATE Grant Scheme or any other State Government Grant, you must wait at least 3 years from the date of the previous selection to reapply. For SC/ST entrepreneurs, at least one director or partner must belong to the SC/ST community and hold a minimum of 70% equity in the company, and must possess a valid digital caste certificate from the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka.
ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka closed on 17 Sept 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive a one-time Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹50 Lakhs for early-stage seed funding. This financial support is intended to help develop ideas into a proof of concept and scale the business. Additionally, the program provides mentoring and incubation support at subsidized rates at government-supported incubation centers. All selected startups must participate in mandatory physical or virtual incubation with an assigned K-tech Innovation Hub or Centre of Excellence.
About the provider
ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka is offered by KBITS, Government of Karnataka, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process involves multiple stages: Stage 1 includes an eligibility check and document verification. Stage 2 involves pitch deck evaluation. Stage 3 consists of multi-city pitching rounds. Stage 4 is the Grand Finale, where final selections are made. Selected startups must then participate in mandatory incubation.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does ELEVATE 2025 provide?
The program provides a Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹50 Lakhs per startup.
What is the deadline for applying?
The deadline for ELEVATE 2025 Challenge is September 17, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Startups registered as a private limited company, partnership firm, or limited liability partnership in Karnataka, with a turnover not exceeding ₹100 Crores in any financial year, and up to 10 years old from incorporation. The startup must be working on innovation or improvement of products/services. It cannot be a subsidiary, franchise, Section 8 company, trust, or association. Previous winners under Idea2PoC/ELEVATE or other state grants must wait 3 years. For SC/ST entrepreneurs, at least one director/partner must be SC/ST holding 70% equity.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The eligibility criteria do not specifically mention DPIIT or MSME registration as a requirement.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a Grant-in-Aid, which is non-dilutive and does not require giving up equity.
What documents are needed for application?
The application process requires submission of an online form, documents for eligibility verification, and a pitch deck. Specific document list is not detailed, but a valid digital caste certificate is needed for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the Startup Karnataka Portal at missionstartupkarnataka.org/elevate-karnataka.
What is the selection process?
The process includes eligibility check, document verification, pitch deck evaluation, multi-city pitching rounds, a Grand Finale, and mandatory incubation at a K-tech Innovation Hub or Centre of Excellence.
Can I apply if I have previously received a state grant?
Startups that have previously won under Idea2PoC/ELEVATE or other State Government Grants are not eligible until 3 years have passed from the date of the previous selection.
What type of entity cannot apply?
Subsidiaries, franchises, Section 8 companies, trusts, associations, or entities resulting from a merger or demerger are not eligible.
Who offers ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka?
ELEVATE 2025 Challenge (Grant-in-Aid) by Startup Karnataka is offered by KBITS, Government of Karnataka, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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