Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement)

The Government of Karnataka, through its nodal agency, the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), provides financial incentives to support startups in their global marketing endeavors. KBITS plays a crucial role in nurturing the IT, BT, and startup ecosystems across Karnataka. The primary goal of this initiative is to empower local innovations to gain international recognition and success by facilitating their entry into new global markets. It specifically focuses on reimbursing costs associated with participation in international trade shows, conferences, and various other strategic promotional activities.

Understanding the vital need for global market access for scaling innovative businesses, this scheme helps Karnataka-based startups overcome the financial hurdles of expanding internationally. By assisting with participation in global events and marketing efforts, the program directly boosts the visibility of Karnataka's startups worldwide, drawing in potential investors, partners, and customers.

Eligible startups can receive reimbursement for 30% of their actual international marketing expenses, up to a maximum of ₹5 Lakhs per company each financial year. This financial support helps cover a wide array of activities, including travel costs for attending trade shows, various international marketing and sales promotion efforts, and expenses for digital and print publications aimed at brand building and global outreach. Subscriptions to essential market research materials, which offer critical insights into international markets, are also eligible for reimbursement. Specific travel-related reimbursements include economy airfare and a daily allowance of up to USD 100 for lodging, food, and local transport during international trips. This grant effectively provides market access and global exposure, positioning Karnataka startups for international growth. Claims are processed twice a year within the financial year and must be submitted within six months of the expense date. The program also prioritizes applications submitted by woman members of the startup, promoting diversity and inclusion within Karnataka's vibrant startup ecosystem.

• Reimbursement for up to 30% of international marketing expenses.
• Maximum reimbursement of ₹5 Lakhs per company annually.
• Open to Karnataka-based startups across product, revenue, and profitable stages.
• Covers costs for international trade shows, travel, promotions, and market research.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Strong preference given to applications submitted by women founders.
• This is a grant program, meaning no equity is taken.

This program is designed for startups based in Karnataka that are officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell and hold a valid registration number.

Eligible startups can be in various stages of development, including product-market fit, revenue-generating, or profitable. There are no specific industry restrictions for applicants.

The reimbursement specifically covers expenses related to international marketing and brand-building activities, such as participation in trade shows and international conferences. It is important that claims for reimbursement are submitted within six months of the date the expense was incurred to be considered.

Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement) accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

Recipients of this program can obtain reimbursement for 30% of their international marketing expenses, capped at ₹5 Lakhs per company each financial year.

The funding covers a broad spectrum of costs associated with global expansion, including:

• Travel expenses for attending international trade shows and conferences, specifically economy airfare.
• A daily allowance of up to USD 100 for lodging, food, and local commute during international travel.
• Costs for various international marketing and sales promotion initiatives.
• Expenses related to digital and print publications for brand building and global outreach.
• Subscriptions to vital market research materials that offer insights into international markets.

Beyond the financial reimbursement, the program significantly enhances market access and global exposure for Karnataka-based startups. A notable benefit is the preference given to applications from woman members of the startup, fostering inclusive growth.

Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement) 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.

Before you apply to Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement), 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.

Marketing Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (International Marketing Reimbursement) is best suited for product, revenue and profitable-stage startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.