The Karnataka government on Monday, 13 October 2026, launched two new startup funding programmes — ELEVATE Minorities 2026 and ELEVATE NxT 2026–27 — offering grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh for minority entrepreneurs and up to ₹1 crore for DeepTech startups. The initiatives, announced by the state's Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, are aimed at fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and technology-led innovation across Karnataka.

Application Window and Process

Applications for both programmes open on 13 October 2026 and close on 13 November 2026, and can be submitted through the department's official website. The selection process for both schemes includes online applications, eligibility and document verification, in-person pitching, and a Grand Finale evaluation round.

What ELEVATE Minorities 2026 Offers

Under ELEVATE Minorities 2026, eligible startups can receive a one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh for prototype development, market development, and business scaling. The programme is open to entrepreneurs from minority communities recognised by the Karnataka State Minorities Commission and the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, covering Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and Parsis.

Selected startups will also receive mentoring and incubation support through government-backed centres at subsidised rates. Applicants will be assessed on innovation, socio-economic impact, business model, team capability, and budget utilisation. Startups scoring at least 60 marks will qualify for the Grand Finale.

ELEVATE NxT 2026–27: Backing Deep Technology

ELEVATE NxT 2026–27 is the second edition of the state's DeepTech grant programme, offering financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore per eligible startup. Priority sectors include artificial intelligence, generative AI, quantum technologies, drones, autonomous systems, robotics, advanced materials, industrial automation, and space technologies.

The programme's inaugural edition drew 983 applications from across India and supported 33 DeepTech startups with a combined ₹30 crore in seed funding. Notably, 12 of the supported startups were led by women entrepreneurs — a data point the government has highlighted as a benchmark for the current edition.

Government's Position

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance, said the initiatives reflected the government's commitment to building an 'inclusive, innovation-driven startup ecosystem.' Grant disbursements under both programmes will be released in two tranches, tied to the completion of formalities and achievement of approved milestones. Selected startups will additionally receive mentorship, incubation, technology validation support, and market linkages through the state's broader innovation network.

What This Means for Karnataka's Startup Landscape

This comes amid a broader national push to decentralise startup support beyond metro tech hubs and ensure historically underrepresented communities gain structured access to early-stage capital. Karnataka, already home to Bengaluru's thriving startup corridor, is positioning itself as a model for equity-driven innovation policy. With the NxT scheme's second edition and a fresh minority-focused cohort running concurrently, the state is signalling an intent to widen its startup funnel well beyond the usual demographic. How many of the applicants eventually convert to funded startups — and whether milestone-linked disbursements hold grantees accountable — will be the real measure of both programmes' impact.