ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program

The ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program is a flagship initiative by the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), under the Government of Karnataka, as part of the LEAP (Leadership, Empowerment, and Advancement for Deeptech) framework. The program aims to identify, support, and scale high-potential Deeptech startups through a transparent, milestone-driven grant-in-aid funding process.

It specifically targets startups working on novel, science- and engineering-led solutions powered by advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Robotics, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Drones, Advanced Manufacturing, Semiconductors, and Quantum Technologies. The emphasis is on societal relevance, technological depth, scalability, and global competitiveness.

Although startups from across India are eligible to apply, those that are registered outside Karnataka and get selected must relocate their registered office to Karnataka within four months of the result declaration. Selected startups receive milestone-driven funding of up to ₹1 crore along with structured mentorship and evaluation support.

• Grant-in-aid up to ₹1,00,00,000 — zero equity dilution
• Open to startups across India, but out-of-state winners must relocate to Karnataka within 4 months of result declaration
• Focus on deep tech: AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, Robotics, AR/VR, Drones, Advanced Manufacturing, Semiconductors, Quantum Technologies
• Startup age up to 10 years, turnover up to ₹100 Cr, minimum 2 founders
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) must be between 3 (proof-of-concept) and 8 (qualified and tested)
• Funded under Government of Karnataka’s KBITS LEAP framework

To apply for ELEVATE NXT 2026, startups must meet the following criteria:

• Incorporated as a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or Registered Partnership Firm.
• The startup's age must not exceed 10 years from the date of incorporation.
• Annual turnover must not exceed ₹100 Crores in any financial year.
• Minimum team size of two individuals.
• Must be an independent entity and not a subsidiary or internal unit of another company.
• Should not have received an ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid in the last 3 years.
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) must be between 3 and 8, with supporting proof.
• Must qualify as a Deeptech startup by employing advanced technologies and core science or engineering innovation for its product or service.
• Startups registered outside Karnataka that are selected must relocate their Registered Office (RoC) to Karnataka within four months. This relocation does not disqualify them from applying per se, but is a post-selection requirement.

ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program closed on 24 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups under ELEVATE NXT 2026 receive:

• Grant-in-Aid Funding: Up to ₹1 crore (₹1,00,00,000) as milestone-driven support. This is a grant, meaning no equity or repayment is required.
• Structured Mentorship: Guidance and evaluation support are provided as part of the program. The exact nature and extent of mentorship are tied to the milestone-based disbursement process.
• Evaluation and Visibility: As a flagship government initiative, the program provides a platform for startups to be evaluated by a high-level jury, potentially increasing their visibility in the ecosystem.

ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program 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.

The application and selection process for ELEVATE NXT 2026 involves the following steps:

1. Online Application Submission: Applicants must submit through the official Elevate portal, including self-justification as a Deeptech startup (200 words maximum), declaration of Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and uploading mandatory documents such as two pitch decks and affidavits.

2. Data Sufficiency Check: The submitted data is verified for completeness and eligibility compliance.

3. Level 1 Jury Evaluation: A jury evaluates applications based on Deeptech qualification criteria.

4. In-Person Pitching Rounds: Shortlisted startups are invited to pitch in person, culminating in a Grand Finale.

5. Final Selection & Milestone-Based Approval: Weighted jury scores are used for final selection, and funding is disbursed upon achievement of defined milestones.

Before you apply to ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program, 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.

ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.