Synopsis
Karnataka's IT/BT department has concluded its Elevate Nxt 2026 deeptech startup support program, selecting 256 firms from 983 national applicants. The initiative, which expanded its scope this year, offers up to Rs 1 crore in grant-in-aid, mentorship, and ecosystem support to foster science-led innovation and scale breakthrough solutions.Listen to this article in summarized format
The department said the programme, which expanded its scope nationally this year, invited applications from deeptech startups across India, building on the Elevate initiative that has supported early-stage companies in Karnataka for nearly a decade.
Applications were received from startups in sectors such as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), quantum technologies, spacetech, healthtech, cleantech, mobility, and other frontier technology domains, according to the department.
“For close to a decade, Elevate has empowered Karnataka’s early-stage startups by providing grant-in-aid support and the right ecosystem to scale bold ideas,” IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge said in a statement. “It was incredible to witness innovators tackling some of the most complex challenges across frontier technologies.”
The department said the entire process was completed in a record 60 days, reflecting the programme’s efficiency, transparency, and institutional coordination.
Elevate Nxt 2026 offers grant-in-aid support of up to Rs 1 crore per startup, along with milestone-based funding, domain-specific mentorship, and ecosystem support to help startups translate breakthrough innovations into scalable, globally competitive solutions.
“The programme represents a key milestone in the state's deeptech journey, reinforcing our focus on supporting science-led innovation,” said IT/BT department secretary N Manjula. “The scale, diversity and quality of participation this year highlights the growing strength of India's deeptech ecosystem and Karnataka’s role as its anchor.”
