Since its inception in 2017, the ELEVATE initiative has supported over 1,080 startups with a cumulative funding amount nearing Rs 250 crore.
Review of Last Year's ELEVATE Program (2024)
Notably, 42 of the funded startups had women founders, and 36 were from regions beyond Bengaluru, highlighting the program’s commitment to inclusive growth and decentralization of innovation outside the capital city.
Grants in the 2024 round ranged between Rs 21 lakh and Rs 50 lakh per startup.
The 2024 winners under the scheme were also given incubation, mentoring, and access to venture capital networks, alongside the financial grant.
Startup sectors like Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) have gained particular attention, with companies like Pocket Coach Technologies and Zebu Films emerging as top funding recipients.
Breaking Down the ELEVATE 2025 Startup Grant
Holistic Support Beyond Funding:
- Seed funding up to Rs 50 lakhs.
- Incubation support.
- Expert mentoring from industry veterans.
- Access to venture capital networks.
- Additional support aligned with the Karnataka Startup Policy.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Registered startups in India as a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
- Startups must demonstrate innovation in product/process leveraging new technology.
- Applications require submission of a pitch deck and relevant entity documents.
- Startups should highlight how their innovation results in better cost-efficiency, quality, or scalability compared to existing solutions.
- Emphasis on potential employment generation and wealth creation.
Inclusivity at the Core: The Three Pillars of ELEVATE 2025
The scheme features three specialized programs to ensure wider inclusivity:
- ELEVATE 2025 – General cohort for innovative startups.
- ELEVATE Unnati 2025 – Targeted at startups with SC/ST founders.
- ELEVATE Minorities 2025 – Focused on startups led by minorities as defined by Karnataka jurisdiction.
Application Process:
- Apply via the official portal: eitbt.karnataka.gov.in
- Submit a pitch deck (template provided).
- Submit necessary entity documents (including a standard affidavit and company documents).
After document screening, selected teams will pitch to a jury featuring experts from NASSCOM, TiE, and prominent VC firms.
Evaluations focus on three core domains:
- Technological Innovation: How the idea leverages novel technology or innovations in product/process.
- Efficiency Gains: Demonstrated improvements in cost, quality, or scalability over existing solutions.
- Socioeconomic Potential: Ability to generate employment and create wealth at scale.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Register or log in on the EITBT portal: eitbt.karnataka.gov.in.
- Choose your eligibility track: General, Unnati (SC/ST), or Minorities.
- Prepare documents:
- Pitch deck (use provided template).
- Entity registration proof (Pvt Ltd or LLP).
- Affidavit per template.
- Upload all materials via the portal.
- Undergo evaluation and await selection.
- If shortlisted, pitch to the jury featuring NASSCOM, TiE, and VC judges.
- If approved, receive upto ₹50 lakh grant, alongside incubation and mentorship support.
5. FAQ's
ELEVATE 2025 is the flagship grant-in-aid program by the Government of Karnataka that supports early-stage startups with grants up to ₹50 lakh, along with incubation, mentoring, and ecosystem support. It helps startups develop proof of concept (PoC), prototypes, and scale innovations.
- Startups registered in India as a Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
- The startup should be early-stage and require funds for proof of concept, prototype development, or scaling.
- Startups must be innovative in their technology, product, or process.
No. Only startups registered as Pvt. Ltd. or LLP are eligible. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, or individuals without registered entities cannot apply.
Each selected startup can receive a grant of up to ₹50 lakh. Since 2017, the program has disbursed ₹250 crore to more than 1,100 startups.
No. This is a grant-in-aid program, which means startups do not need to part with equity or ownership.
Selected startups also get:
- Incubation support in leading startup hubs.
- Mentorship from industry experts.
- Access to VC and investor networks.
- Policy support under the Karnataka Startup Policy.
- ELEVATE 2025 – General category for all startups.
- ELEVATE Unnati 2025 – Special track for startups founded by SC/ST entrepreneurs.
- ELEVATE Minorities 2025 – Special track for startups founded by minority community entrepreneurs (as defined under Karnataka jurisdiction).
Since 2017:
- 1,100+ startups funded.
- Around ₹250 crore disbursed.
- Average grant: ₹22–23 lakh per startup.
- 25% of beneficiaries were women-led startups.
- Opens: 15 August 2025
- Closes: 15 September 2025
Applications must be submitted within this period.
Applications must be submitted through the official EITBT portal: eitbt.karnataka.gov.in
- Pitch deck (template provided on the portal).
- Entity registration certificate (Pvt. Ltd. or LLP).
- Affidavit (as per the provided template).
The pitch deck should highlight:
- Technology/Innovation – How the idea is novel in process or product.
- Efficiency gains – Cost, quality, or scalability advantage over existing solutions.
- Socioeconomic impact – Potential for employment generation and wealth creation.
- Document and application screening.
- Shortlisted startups are invited to a pitching event.
- Jury panels include experts from NASSCOM, TiE, and VC firms.
- Final selection and grant disbursal.
No. The application process is free of cost.
Funds are typically released in tranches, tied to milestone achievements and monitoring by the Karnataka Startup Cell.
Yes. The evaluation process is designed to be transparent, and feedback is often shared with startups to help them improve and reapply.
While open to all, the program encourages applications from technology-driven, innovative sectors, such as:
- AI & ML
- Cleantech & Sustainability
- HealthTech
- AgriTech
- FinTech
- Mobility & Smart Infrastructure
The scheme is managed by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and Science & Technology (EITBT), Government of Karnataka, under the Startup Karnataka initiative.
Yes, mentorship and incubation support are part of the structured program. The aim is to ensure startups not only receive funding but also guidance for growth.
Yes, but preference is given to startups that have a base or operations in Karnataka, as the scheme is a state-level initiative.
While the final number depends on evaluation and budget allocation, previous editions have funded 100–150 startups per year on average.
- Use funds strictly for the approved project.
- Submit regular progress reports.
- Participate in incubation and mentoring programs.
- Comply with Karnataka Startup Cell guidelines.
ELEVATE 2025 Karnataka: A Track Record of Impact
Since its inception in 2017, the ELEVATE program has funded around 1,100 startups, distributing nearly ₹250 crore in seed grants—averaging ₹22–₹23 lakh per startup. Impressively, 25% of these have women founders, showcasing the initiative’s inclusiveness and positive diversity impact
The government’s sustained efforts through initiatives like ELEVATE and the Karnataka Acceleration Network help maintain momentum for early-stage startups by providing crucial seed capital and ecosystem support.
ELEVATE 2025 stands as a powerful officer of empowerment; supporting India’s innovators at one of their most critical stages.
From funding to mentorship, the program is designed not only to enable proof-of-concept development but also to catalyze sustainable, scalable ventures that can transform industries and livelihoods.
Article Contribution by: Sapna Garg