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

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.

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.