Idea2PoC Grant-in-Aid Scheme (ELEVATE)

Flagship scheme since 2017, continued and expanded under Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-2030 (unveiled 18 Nov 2025, 5-year term). Independently verified active via January 2026 felicitation event for 146 ELEVATE 2025 winners.

Helps very early-stage Karnataka startups convert an idea into a proof-of-concept by providing seed-stage, non-equity funding plus mentoring and incubation support, with a priority carve-out for Deep Tech, Assistive Technology and SDG-aligned startups.

Early-stage startups registered with KITS/Karnataka Startup Cell; Pvt Ltd/OPC/LLP/Partnership incorporated with a Karnataka address; founders/co-founders together must hold minimum 10% stake; if there is foreign shareholding, the Indian entity's share must exceed 50% with the Indian partner holding majority stake; applicant must not have been an ELEVATE beneficiary in the last 3 years.

One-time Grant-in-Aid of up to INR 50 lakh, disbursed in phased tranches against milestones under a tripartite MoA (Startup-KITS-K-Tech Innovation Hub/CoE). INR 1,00,000 withheld until utilisation certificate and project completion report are submitted.

Apply online via the Karnataka Startup Portal in response to periodic 'Call for Applications' from KITS. Selection runs through data-sufficiency check, pitch-deck screening, Multi-City Pitching, and a Grand Finale, over roughly 3 months.

Idea/early-prototype-stage Karnataka founders needing their first non-dilutive capital to reach a proof-of-concept, especially Deep Tech, assistive-tech or sustainability-focused teams.