ELEVATE 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program

ELEVATE 2026 represents the latest open call for the Government of Karnataka's premier grant-in-aid initiative, specifically designed for early-stage startups. This program is managed by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), operating under the Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T. It provides a substantial one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh to assist founders in transforming their innovative concepts into functional proof-of-concepts and subsequently validating them within the market.

This particular call is open to all startups officially registered in Karnataka, regardless of their physical location within the state. In addition to this general track, the Department also offers three specialized calls: ELEVATE Aspire, targeting startups registered outside Bengaluru Urban; ELEVATE Unnati, for startups owned by SC/ST founders; and ELEVATE Shakti, specifically for women-led startups. While a startup may submit applications to multiple calls, a single pitch presentation will be assessed across all chosen tracks, and the total cumulative grant awarded is capped at ₹50 lakh.

The funding is disbursed in two equal installments, contingent upon the achievement of predefined milestones. The initial tranche is released following the execution of a tripartite agreement involving KITS, an assigned K-Tech innovation partner, and the startup. The subsequent installment is provided once the first set of milestones has been successfully reviewed and approved. Beyond financial assistance, selected startups gain access to government-supported incubators, accelerators, Centres of Excellence, and innovation hubs, known as K-Tech Innovation Partners, offering mentorship and incubation support at subsidized rates.

ELEVATE 2026 is ideally suited for early-stage founders in Karnataka seeking non-dilutive capital to develop and prove their products. The selection process is highly competitive and merit-based, involving rigorous pitch evaluations and multiple pitching rounds conducted across various cities.

• Offers a one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh.
• The funding is equity-free and non-dilutive.
• Open to any startup registered and operating in Karnataka.
• Includes mentorship and subsidized incubation support from government-backed partners.
• Grant disbursement occurs in two milestone-based tranches.
• Application deadline is June 25, 2026.

To be eligible for the ELEVATE 2026 program, a startup must meet several key criteria:

• The startup must be officially registered in Karnataka and can be based anywhere within the state.
• It must be incorporated as one of the following legal entities: a Private Limited Company, a One Person Company, a Registered Partnership Firm, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a State/Multi-State Co-operative Society.
• The startup's date of incorporation must be within 10 years at the time of application submission.
• Its annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹200 crore in any financial year since its incorporation.
• The applicant must be an independent entity, meaning it cannot be a subsidiary, spin-off, or internal division of an existing company.
• A minimum team size of two individuals is required.
• The startup must not have been a beneficiary of the ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid scheme within the last three years.
• The startup should be actively engaged in the innovation or improvement of products, services, or processes that demonstrate the potential to generate employment, create wealth, or open new market opportunities.

Applications for ELEVATE 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program are open and the current deadline is 25 Jun 2026. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.

Recipients of the ELEVATE 2026 grant receive more than just financial support. Selected startups are strategically matched with government-backed incubators, accelerators, Centres of Excellence, and innovation hubs, collectively known as K-Tech Innovation Partners. These partners provide crucial mentorship and incubation support at subsidized rates, fostering the startup's growth and development.

The K-Tech Innovation Partners play a vital role in guiding the startup, meticulously tracking progress against agreed-upon milestones, and recommending the release of subsequent funding tranches. The validation of these milestones is a coordinated effort between KITS and the Department of Electronics, IT & BT, ensuring accountability and effective utilization of the grant.

ELEVATE 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program is offered by Startup 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.

Before you apply to ELEVATE 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

ELEVATE 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.