Karnataka has opened the tap for early-stage founders. The state government on October 12 announced ELEVATE Minorities 2026 and ELEVATE NxT 2026-27, offering grant-in-aid of up to Rs 50 lakh for minority entrepreneurs and Rs 1 crore for deeptech startups. Applications open on October 13 and close on November 13, 2026.
Announced by IT and BT minister Priyank Kharge through the Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, the two programmes target inclusive entrepreneurship and scientific innovation respectively. ELEVATE Minorities 2026 offers a one-time grant of up to Rs 50 lakh for prototype development, market development and scale-up, plus mentoring and subsidised incubation. It is open to entrepreneurs from communities recognised by the Karnataka State Minorities Commission — Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and Parsis.
ELEVATE NxT 2026-27, the second edition of the deeptech grant programme, offers up to Rs 1 crore, with priority sectors including AI, generative AI, quantum technologies, drones, autonomous systems, robotics, advanced materials, industrial automation and space. The inaugural edition drew 983 applications from across India and supported 33 deeptech startups with Rs 30 crore in seed funding, 12 of them led by women entrepreneurs.
Selection runs through online applications, eligibility and document verification, in-person pitching and a Grand Finale — applicants need at least 60 marks to qualify for the finale. Grants are disbursed in two tranches, linked to milestones.
Why it matters for founders
Non-dilutive capital of up to Rs 1 crore with a one-month window — this is one of the largest active state grant programmes in the country. If you are a deeptech startup or a minority founder, the November 13, 2026 deadline is close; start the application now, not in the last week.