ELEVATE Unnati 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders

The ELEVATE Unnati 2026 program is a dedicated initiative for startups in Karnataka, forming a key part of the state government's broader ELEVATE grant-in-aid scheme. It is managed by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), operating under the Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T. This program aims to provide substantial financial support, offering a one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh to help eligible startups transform their innovative ideas into functional proof-of-concepts.

This particular call is exclusively for startups predominantly owned by founders from the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. To qualify, the SC/ST director(s) or partner(s) must collectively or individually hold a minimum of 70% equity in the company or firm. This significant shareholding must be maintained throughout the entire duration of the project.

ELEVATE Unnati operates concurrently with other ELEVATE calls, including the general ELEVATE 2026, ELEVATE Aspire (for startups outside Bengaluru Urban), and ELEVATE Shakti (for women-led startups). While a startup may apply to multiple calls, a single pitch will be evaluated across all applications, and the cumulative grant amount received is capped at ₹50 lakh.

Funding is disbursed in two equal tranches, tied to the achievement of pre-defined milestones. The initial release occurs after a tripartite agreement is formally signed between KITS, the designated K-Tech innovation partner, and the selected startup. Additionally, successful applicants gain access to government-supported incubators, accelerators, Centres of Excellence, and innovation hubs, receiving mentoring and incubation support at subsidized rates. Notably, Unnati applicants bypass the initial desk-based pitch deck evaluation, proceeding directly to the in-person Multi-City Pitching round.

• One-time grant offering up to ₹50 lakh.
• Exclusively for startups with at least 70% SC/ST founder equity.
• Provides equity-free, non-dilutive funding.
• Includes mentorship and subsidized incubation support.
• Funding disbursed in two milestone-linked tranches.

To be considered for the ELEVATE Unnati 2026 grant, startups must meet several key criteria:

• The startup must be registered in Karnataka and can be based anywhere within the state.
• A crucial requirement is that SC/ST director(s) or partner(s), either individually or collectively, must hold at least 70% equity in the company or firm. This equity stake must be maintained throughout the entire project duration.
• The SC/ST director(s) or partner(s) are required to possess a valid digital caste certificate issued by the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka, complete with a valid RD number.
• Eligible entity types include Private Limited Companies, One Person Companies, Registered Partnership Firms, LLPs, or State/Multi-State Co-operative Societies.
• The startup must have been incorporated within 10 years from the date of application.
• Its annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹200 crore in any financial year since its incorporation.
• The applicant must be an independent entity, not operating as a subsidiary, spin-off, or internal division of an existing company.
• A minimum team size of two individuals is required.
• Startups that have been beneficiaries of the ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid scheme within the last three years are not eligible.
• The startup should be actively engaged in the innovation or improvement of products, services, or processes that demonstrate the potential to generate jobs, wealth, or new market opportunities.

Applications for ELEVATE Unnati 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders 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 Unnati grant gain access to a comprehensive support ecosystem designed to foster their growth and innovation. Key benefits include:

• Selected startups are strategically mapped to government-supported incubators, accelerators, Centres of Excellence, and innovation hubs, which are designated as K-Tech Innovation Partners.
• These partners provide invaluable mentoring and incubation support at subsidized rates, guiding startups through various developmental stages.
• The K-Tech Innovation Partners play a crucial role in handholding the startup, meticulously tracking milestone progress, and recommending the release of funding tranches.
• Milestone validation, a critical step for fund disbursement, is coordinated jointly by KITS and the Department of Electronics, IT & BT, ensuring accountability and progress.

ELEVATE Unnati 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders 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 Unnati 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders, 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 Unnati 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders 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.