How to Apply for ELEVATE 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program

The selection process for ELEVATE 2026 is a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation designed to identify promising startups. Applications are assessed on a total score of 100 points, distributed across five distinct parameters:

• Novelty/Innovation: 30 points
• Strength of Business Model: 30 points
• Potential Socio-economic Impact: 20 points
• Team Strength: 10 points
• Budgetary Allocation: 10 points

Each parameter is independently scored by a jury panel, whose composition is adjusted for each round to ensure relevant domain expertise. To advance to the Grand Finale, startups must achieve a minimum score of 60 marks in the Multi-City Pitching round. The cumulative scores from all evaluation stages determine the final ranking of the startups and subsequently influence the tiered allocation of the grant. The process includes online application submission, data sufficiency and eligibility screening, pitch deck evaluation (for Bengaluru Urban / ELEVATE 2026 only), Multi-City Pitching, and finally, the Grand Finale for winner selection.