Karnataka’s flagship startup grant programme, ELEVATE, has reached a significant milestone by marking its 10th anniversary with a new announcement. The state government has opened up applications for the 25th call under this programme, which is designed to be more inclusive and accessible than ever before. This initiative is critical as it provides crucial early-stage funding to startups across Karnataka, potentially transforming the local startup ecosystem.
### A ₹50 lakh launchpad for early-stage ideas
ELEVATE offers a substantial grant of up to ₹50 lakh, aimed at supporting startups in their crucial early stages where many ventures struggle due to a lack of funding. This grant enables startups to develop prototypes, validate their solutions, and scale innovations that show promise. Besides financial support, the programme provides mentorship, incubation facilities, and networking opportunities. Startups also gain access to government-backed Centres of Excellence and Technology Business Incubators, aligning with the Karnataka Startup Policy 2022–27. This policy offers additional incentives such as reimbursements for patent costs, marketing expenses, GST, and quality certification, providing a comprehensive support package for budding entrepreneurs.
### Four tracks, one mission
The 2026 edition of ELEVATE features four distinct tracks, each catering to different segments of the entrepreneurial community. The ELEVATE – General track is open to startups across all sectors. ELEVATE Shakti, formerly known as ELEVATE Women, targets ventures with at least 51% women ownership. ELEVATE Unnati focuses on SC/ST founders, promoting diversity within the entrepreneurial pipeline. Lastly, ELEVATE Aspire, previously ELEVATE Beyond Bengaluru, is aimed at innovators in Karnataka’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions. The decision to run all four tracks simultaneously, along with the rebranding, demonstrates a commitment to broadening access to capital and opportunities beyond the traditional hubs of innovation.
### A decade of measurable impact
Over the past decade, ELEVATE has grown from an experimental initiative to a key component of Karnataka’s innovation economy. With 24 calls completed, the programme has supported over 1,250 startups, committing approximately ₹292.57 crore in grants. Notably, ₹77.39 crore has been allocated to 330 women-led ventures, and ₹102.89 crore has been distributed to 464 startups from regions beyond Bengaluru. These figures highlight the programme’s success in achieving its inclusivity goals, ensuring that significant portions of funding are directed towards women founders and ventures outside the state capital.
### ‘Transforming ideas into scalable solutions’
With the announcement of the 25th call for applications, Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology, emphasized the transformative impact of the ELEVATE programme. He noted that as ELEVATE celebrates a decade of supporting over 1,200 startups, the programme continues to unlock innovation across Karnataka. This 25th call is a pivotal moment, opening the programme to a broader segment of the entrepreneurial community and reinforcing Karnataka’s position as a leading hub for startup growth.
As the application process opens on May 25, 2026, stakeholders in India’s startup ecosystem will be watching closely. Founders, engineers, and investors alike should look out for how this initiative influences the distribution of capital and support across the state. The success of this programme could serve as a model for other regions aiming to foster innovation and inclusivity in their startup ecosystems.
