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

Your startup must be registered and operating in Karnataka. At least 70% equity must be held by SC/ST director(s) or partner(s), individually or collectively, and this shareholding must be maintained throughout the project. Valid digital caste certificates issued by the Karnataka Revenue Department (with an RD number) are mandatory for the qualifying directors/partners.

Eligible legal structures include Private Limited Company, One Person Company, Registered Partnership Firm, Limited Liability Partnership, or State/Multi-State Co-operative Society.

The startup must be within 10 years of incorporation, with annual turnover not exceeding ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. It must be an independent entity (not a subsidiary, spin-off, or internal division). A minimum team size of two is required, and the startup cannot have been a beneficiary of any ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid in the last three years. The business must focus on innovation or improvement of products, services, or processes with potential for job creation, wealth generation, or market expansion.

DPIIT registration is not mandatory, and none is required for eligibility.

ELEVATE Unnati 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Karnataka. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership.