Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme: Apply Online for ₹1 Crore Grant

Introduction of Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme: A Brief Insight

DeepTech startups often spend years developing and testing advanced technology before they can bring a product to market. Banks may hesitate to fund ideas at this stage, while investors often wait for the business to generate revenue. The Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme addresses this funding gap by offering selected startups a grant that they do not have to repay.

The Government of Karnataka runs this scheme as the DeepTech call under its ELEVATE grant-in-aid programme. The programme operates under the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP), a five-year initiative with an outlay of ₹1,000 crore. The Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, implements the scheme through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) under the Startup Karnataka programme.

The first edition opened in January 2026. On 12 October 2026, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge launched the second edition, ELEVATE NxT 2026-27. The wider ELEVATE programme has supported startups in Karnataka since 2017.

The scheme aims to identify and support startups developing complex, science- and engineering-based technologies with strong intellectual property (IP) potential. The government wants these startups to bring their innovations to market and compete globally. It gives priority to areas such as quantum technology, generative AI, space, semiconductors, robotics and advanced materials.

Each selected startup can receive a grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 crore, released in stages against defined milestones. Selected startups also receive mentorship and are mapped to a K-Tech partner for support. During the initial screening, the jury reviews the first pitch deck without seeing the company’s identity, helping keep the evaluation process fair.

Startups from any Indian state can apply if they operate as an independent Private Limited Company, Registered Partnership Firm, LLP or Co-operative Society. Applicants must meet the scheme’s conditions, including an incorporation age of no more than 20 years, turnover not exceeding ₹300 crore in any financial year since incorporation, a founding or core team of at least two individuals, and a declared Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 8. Startups registered outside Karnataka must shift their registered office to the state within 4 months of the result if selected.

Eligible startups must apply online through the Startup Karnataka ELEVATE portal. The application window runs from 13 October 2026 to 13 November 2026, closing at 5:00 PM IST. Applicants must upload two pitch decks, a notarised affidavit and CA-certified documents. For assistance, they can call 080-22231007.

Founders looking for business loans can explore the PM Mudra Yojana, while those planning to establish a new unit can check the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme. Early-stage startups can also explore the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and the Startup India Scheme. Minority-led startups in Karnataka can consider the ELEVATE Minorities Scheme.

Startups, founders and others looking for business and welfare schemes offered by the Karnataka Government can explore the available programmes on our Karnataka Government Welfare Schemes List page.

Latest Update on Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme

• 12 October 2026: IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge launched ELEVATE NxT 2026-27, the second edition of the DeepTech call, along with ELEVATE Minorities 2026.
• 13 October 2026, 9:00 AM IST: The Startup Karnataka ELEVATE portal started taking applications.
• 13 November 2026, 5:00 PM IST: Applications close, so only about three weeks remain from today.
• Earlier Edition: The first edition of ELEVATE NxT ran from January to February 2026 and has concluded, so the current call is the one to apply for.
• Start Now: Ask your CA today for the revenue certificate for FY 2025-26 and the shareholding proof, and get the affidavit notarised early.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Developing a DeepTech product often requires years of research, testing and technical development before it becomes commercially viable. The ELEVATE NxT Scheme of Karnataka Government’s supports selected startups with financial assistance and technical guidance, helping them advance their innovations without giving up ownership of their companies.

• Grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 crore for each selected startup
• Equity-free funding, meaning the Government does not take an ownership stake in the startup in exchange for the grant
• Funding released in stages according to the milestones achieved by the startup
• Connection with suitable K-Tech partners to support the startup during the programme
• Access to mentorship and incubation support to help develop and advance the technology
• Applications accepted from startups in any State of India, without requiring them to be based in Karnataka at the time of application
• Anonymised initial screening, in which the first jury round does not see the company name or founders’ identities
• Final approval by the ELEVATE Evaluation Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Government of Karnataka’s ELEVATE NxT Scheme supports startups developing advanced scientific and engineering technologies. Startups from any State in India can apply, provided they meet the prescribed legal, financial and technical conditions. Check the following requirements before submitting your application.

• Must be registered as a Private Limited Company, Registered Partnership Firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or State or Multi-State Co-operative Society
• Can be incorporated and based anywhere in India
• Must operate as an independent entity, not as a subsidiary, spin-off or internal division of an existing company
• Must not be more than 20 years old from the date of incorporation at the time of application
• Annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹300 crore in any financial year since incorporation
• Must have at least two individuals in the founding or core team
• Must not have received an ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid during the previous 3 years
• Must not change the ownership terms in favour of the founders during the project period
• Must qualify as a DeepTech startup by developing advanced technology with high technical complexity and strong intellectual property (IP) potential
• Must address a genuine problem in industry, society or the environment, or demonstrate the potential to create a new market
• Must declare a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 8
• Startups registered outside Karnataka that win the grant must shift their registered office to Karnataka within 4 months of the result; failure to meet this condition may result in rejection of the application or grant, as applicable

Documents Required to be Attached

Startups applying for the Karnataka Government’s ELEVATE NxT Scheme must submit documents to establish their legal status, ownership structure, annual turnover and DeepTech credentials. Applicants should check each document carefully before uploading it, as missing or invalid documents may lead to rejection. The application portal also provides prescribed templates for certificates, pitch decks and the affidavit.

• Certificate of Incorporation for the registered entity, as applicable to its legal structure
• Constitutional document: Memorandum of Association (MOA) for a Private Limited Company, or the applicable LLP Deed or Partnership Deed
• CA-certified revenue certificate for FY 2025-26, confirming that the startup’s annual turnover is below ₹300 crore
• Shareholding proof showing the company’s shareholding pattern, duly attested by a Chartered Accountant (CA)
• Patent certificate or proof of patent filing or grant, if applicable
• Pitch Deck 1 – Qualification Deck: An anonymised presentation of no more than 2 slides, submitted in PDF or PPT format
• Pitch Deck 2 – Business Model Deck: A presentation prepared using the template provided on the application portal
• Startup affidavit: A notarised affidavit executed on ₹100 e-stamp paper, naming the startup as the first party and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) as the second party. Upload the affidavit in PDF format with a file size below 10 MB

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Startups can apply for the ELEVATE NxT Scheme online through the Startup Karnataka ELEVATE portal. The application window opens on 13 October 2026 at 9:00 AM IST and closes on 13 November 2026 at 5:00 PM IST. Applicants must complete every required field and upload all the necessary documents before submitting the form. Incomplete applications may be rejected, so prepare the required information and documents in advance.

Get Ready First and Check the Eligibility

Step 1: Read all the eligibility conditions and confirm that your startup meets each requirement before you apply.

Step 2: Ask your Chartered Accountant (CA) to prepare the revenue certificate for FY 2025–26 and the shareholding proof using the prescribed formats.

Step 3: Download the CA revenue certificate template and the shareholding pattern template. Give these files to your CA so they can prepare the documents in the required format.

Step 4: Download the Pitch Deck 1 template and the Pitch Deck 2 template. Use the first deck to explain your technology without revealing your startup’s identity. Use the second deck to explain your business model.

Step 5: Download the official affidavit template. Complete it with the required details and get it notarised on ₹100 e-stamp paper. Save the final document as a PDF under 10 MB.

Step 6: Read the official ELEVATE Pitch Masterclass guide to understand how to present your startup and explain your technology clearly.

Online Application Process

Step 1: Open the Startup Karnataka ELEVATE portal.

Step 2: Click Register and create your account by entering the required company and personal details.

Step 3: After registration, open the Login page and sign in with your account details.

Step 4: Select ELEVATE NxT as the scheme or application call for which you want to apply.

Step 5: Fill in the online application form with the required details about your company and its founders. Check the information before moving to the next section.

Step 6: Write a statement of up to 200 words explaining why your startup qualifies as a DeepTech startup. Clearly describe the advanced technology you are developing and the problem it aims to solve.

Step 7: Select your Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from the available options between 3 and 8. If you are unsure which level applies to your technology, refer to the TRL reference guide before making your selection.

Step 8: Upload Pitch Deck 1, which must contain no more than 2 slides. Do not include your company name, logo, founders’ names, address or patent details. The jury must be able to assess your technology without knowing your startup’s identity.

Step 9: Upload Pitch Deck 2, which explains your business model. Prepare it using the prescribed template available on the portal.

Step 10: Upload the required supporting documents, including your certificate of incorporation, MOA or applicable partnership/LLP deed, CA-certified revenue certificate and shareholding proof. Also upload your patent filing or grant certificate, if applicable.

Step 11: Upload the notarised affidavit as a PDF file. Make sure the file size is below 10 MB.

Step 12: Review the entire application. Check your details, uploaded documents and presentation files carefully, then click Submit before the application deadline.

Step 13: Note down your ELEVATE ID after submission. Keep it safe because you may need it to track your application or refer to it when seeking assistance.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Step 1: The authorities first check your startup’s turnover, age and legal status. If your application fails any of these basic checks, it may be rejected before the jury evaluation begins.

Step 2: Two jury members review your anonymous Pitch Deck 1 and declared Technology Readiness Level (TRL). At least one jury member must approve your application for it to move to the next stage.

Step 3: If your startup clears the initial screening, you must present your business model in person during Round 1. You need to score at least 60 marks to qualify for the Grand Finale.

Step 4: The final evaluation combines your scores from both rounds. Round 1 contributes 40% of the final score, while the Grand Finale contributes 60%.

Step 5: The ELEVATE Evaluation Committee makes the final decision on the selected startups. Approved startups receive grant assistance in stages, based on the milestones they achieve.

Step 6: If your startup is registered outside Karnataka and you win the grant, you must shift its registered office to Karnataka within 4 months of the result. Failure to meet this requirement may put your selection or grant at risk.

Important: Follow the prescribed templates and slide order while preparing both pitch decks. Do not change their format, as incorrect formatting may lead to disqualification. Provide accurate information throughout the application because false claims can also result in disqualification.

Which Businesses Can Apply for Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme

The Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme is not for every new business. It is for startups whose product rests on advanced science or engineering, and the portal names these priority sectors.

Priority Sectors

• Quantum technologies
• Energy and climate
• Mobility and logistics
• Generative AI
• Cybersecurity and secure systems
• Fintech
• Space and satellite
• Aerospace and defence
• AgriTech and FoodTech
• Health, bio and life sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Semiconductors and microelectronics
• Industrial automation
• Advanced materials and manufacturing
• Robotics

The list is not fixed. A startup in any other field can also apply, if its technology qualifies as DeepTech.

What Makes a Startup DeepTech

• Uses advanced technology such as AI and ML, IoT, blockchain, big data, AR and VR, robotics, 3D printing or drones
• Has high technical complexity and can reshape an industry or create a new market
• Combines several technologies to solve a problem that needs mixed expertise
• Rests on new scientific discoveries, complex engineering or its own technology
• Has strong IP potential, such as patents or proprietary algorithms
• Solves a real problem of society, industry or the environment

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme Official Portal, Startup Karnataka
• Register to apply for Karnataka ELEVATE NxT 2026-27
• Login to the ELEVATE portal and track your application
• ELEVATE NxT CA revenue certificate template for FY 2025-26 (DOCX)
• ELEVATE NxT CA-attested shareholding pattern template (DOCX)
• ELEVATE NxT Pitch Deck 1 qualification template (PPTX)
• ELEVATE NxT Pitch Deck 2 business model template (PPTX)
• ELEVATE NxT startup affidavit template for 100 rupee e-stamp paper (DOCX)
• ELEVATE Pitch Masterclass guide, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, Karnataka
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) reference guide for DeepTech startups (PDF)
• Terms and conditions of the ELEVATE programme
• Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Office: Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT and BT, Government of Karnataka, BKG Sapphire, #59, Railway Parallel Road, Kumara Park West, Bengaluru – 560020
• Startup Karnataka Helpline: 080-22231007, 10 am to 5:30 pm
• Email: startupcell@karnataka.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.