Karnataka ELEVATE Minorities Scheme: Get a Grant Up to Rs. 50 Lakh

Introduction of Karnataka ELEVATE Minorities Scheme: A Brief Insight

Many talented entrepreneurs from minority communities have promising business ideas but struggle to find financial support during the early stages. Without funding, they may be unable to develop a prototype or bring their products to market. The ELEVATE Minorities Scheme provides eligible founders with a dedicated opportunity to secure early-stage funding and grow their startups.

The Government of Karnataka launched ELEVATE Minorities 2026 on 12 October 2026 through Home, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge. The Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, implements the scheme through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) as part of its ELEVATE grant-in-aid programme.

The scheme aims to identify and support innovative startups led by entrepreneurs from minority communities. It helps selected founders develop, test and improve their products so they can move closer to bringing their innovations to market.

Each selected startup can receive a one-time grant of up to ₹50 lakh for prototype development, market development and business expansion. The government releases the grant in stages linked to milestones. Selected startups also receive mentoring, incubation support at government-backed centres and guidance through a K-Tech partner.

The scheme accepts eligible startups incorporated in Karnataka that are no more than 10 years old and have not exceeded ₹200 crore in turnover in any financial year since incorporation. At least one Director or Partner, or the minority members collectively, must belong to the Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh or Parsi community and hold at least 51% equity. The qualifying Director or Partner must also possess a digital Minority Certificate issued by the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka.

Eligible startups must apply online through the Startup Karnataka ELEVATE portal. Applicants must submit one pitch deck, a notarised affidavit and the required CA-certified documents. The application window closes on 13 November 2026 at 5:00 PM IST, and the qualifying minority founder must attend the pitching round in person. For assistance, applicants can call 080-22231007 or email the Startup Karnataka cell.

Startups developing advanced science and engineering-based technologies can also explore the Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme. A startup may apply to both schemes if it meets the eligibility conditions of each. Founders seeking business loans can consider the PM Mudra Yojana, while entrepreneurs planning to establish a new unit can explore the PMEGP. The Standup India Scheme supports women and SC or ST entrepreneurs, and early-stage startups can also check the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

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

Latest Update on Karnataka ELEVATE Minorities Scheme

• 12 October 2026: The Karnataka Government launched ELEVATE Minorities 2026 together with ELEVATE NxT 2026-27.
• 13 October 2026: The call opened on the ELEVATE portal at 9:00 AM IST.
• 13 November 2026: The call closes at 5:00 PM IST, which leaves about three weeks from today.
• What Is Wider This Year: The 2026 call allows turnover up to ₹200 crore, against ₹100 crore in the 2025 cycle, and adds One Person Companies and Co-operative Societies.
• Last Year’s Call: The 2025 cycle ran from 15 August to 17 September 2025, and 30 startups were selected from 147 applications.
• Start Now: Begin the digital Minority Certificate and the CA-attested shareholding proof today, as these take the longest to arrange.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Minority entrepreneurs may have promising business ideas but lack the funds to develop them into market-ready products or services. The ELEVATE Minorities Scheme of the Government of Karnataka helps eligible startups overcome this challenge through financial assistance and business support.

• One-time grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh for each selected startup
• Financial support for prototype development, market development and business expansion
• Grant released in stages based on the milestones achieved by the startup
• Mentorship and incubation support through government-backed incubation centres
• Connection with a K-Tech partner to guide the startup and monitor its progress
• A dedicated funding opportunity for eligible minority entrepreneurs
• A simplified application process requiring only one pitch deck, without a separate qualification round
• A 100-point evaluation system that gives significant weightage to innovation and the business model

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Government of Karnataka’s ELEVATE Minorities Scheme supports eligible startups owned by entrepreneurs from minority communities. To qualify, a startup must meet the ownership requirements, be registered in Karnataka and fulfil the scheme’s other conditions.

• At least one Director or Partner, or the minority community members collectively, must belong to the Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh or Parsi community recognised by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation.
• The eligible minority member or members must hold at least 51% equity when applying and throughout the project.
• If a change in ownership reduces minority ownership below 51%, the startup may face disqualification or termination of assistance.
• The eligible Director or Partner must possess a valid digital Minority Certificate issued by the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka, with an RD Number.
• The startup must be incorporated in Karnataka.
• The applicant must be a Private Limited Company, Registered Partnership Firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), One Person Company (OPC) or State or Multi-State Co-operative Society.
• The startup must be no more than 10 years old from its date of incorporation.
• Its turnover must not have exceeded ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
• The startup must operate as an independent entity, not as a subsidiary, spin-off or internal division of an existing company.
• The startup must not have received an ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid during the previous 3 years.
• The startup must not change its ownership terms to give its founders an advantage during the project.
• The startup must focus on innovation in a product, service or process.

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants for the Karnataka Government’s ELEVATE Minorities Scheme must submit documents that confirm minority ownership, company registration and financial details. Keep all the required papers ready before applying, as missing or invalid documents may lead to rejection.

• Digital Minority Certificate of the eligible Director or Partner, issued by the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka, with a valid RD Number
• CA-attested shareholding proof confirming that the minority Director or Partner holds at least 51% equity
• CA-certified revenue certificate for FY 2025-26, confirming turnover below ₹200 crore
• Certificate of incorporation or registration of the company, firm, LLP or society
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) for a Private Limited Company or One Person Company, or the applicable LLP Deed or Partnership Deed
• One pitch deck prepared using the template available on the official portal; a separate qualification deck is not required
• Startup affidavit notarised on ₹100 e-stamp paper, naming the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) as the second party. Upload it as a PDF file smaller than 10 MB
• Patent filing or grant certificate, if applicable

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Eligible startups can apply for the Karnataka ELEVATE Minorities Scheme online through the Startup Karnataka ELEVATE portal. However, the minority Director or Partner who meets the ownership requirement must also attend the pitching round in person. The application window runs from 13 October 2026, 9:00 AM IST to 13 November 2026, 5:00 PM IST. Start by arranging the ownership documents and Minority Certificate, as these may take time to obtain.

Part 1: Prove Who Owns the Startup

Step 1: Check your startup’s shareholding records and confirm that the eligible minority Director or Partner, or the minority members together, hold at least 51% equity.

Step 2: Make sure the qualifying Director or Partner belongs to the Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh or Parsi community recognised under the scheme.

Step 3: Obtain a digital Minority Certificate with a valid RD Number from the Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka. You can check the certificate service through Seva Sindhu or contact your nearest taluk office for guidance.

Step 4: Download the official shareholding pattern template from the portal.

Step 5: Ask your Chartered Accountant (CA) to fill in the template and attest it after checking your startup’s current shareholding records.

Step 6: Ensure that minority ownership remains at or above 51% throughout the project. If the shareholding falls below this limit, your startup may lose its eligibility or grant assistance.

Part 2: Get the Company Papers Ready

Step 1: Download the official CA revenue certificate template.

Step 2: Ask your CA to prepare and certify the revenue certificate for FY 2025-26, confirming that your startup’s turnover is below ₹200 crore.

Step 3: Keep your certificate of incorporation or registration ready, along with the Memorandum of Association (MOA), LLP Deed or Partnership Deed, as applicable to your business structure.

Step 4: Download the official startup affidavit template.

Step 5: Complete the affidavit and get it notarised on ₹100 e-stamp paper. Name your startup as the first party and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) as the second party.

Step 6: Save the notarised affidavit as a PDF file smaller than 10 MB.

Step 7: Keep your patent filing or grant certificate ready if your startup has filed for or received a patent.

Part 3: Build Your Pitch Deck

Step 1: Download the official pitch deck template and prepare your presentation in the prescribed format.

Step 2: Clearly explain your innovation, business model, team and plan for using the grant. These areas form part of the evaluation process.

Step 3: Read the official Pitch Masterclass guide to understand how to present your startup effectively.

Step 4: Prepare only one pitch deck. The ELEVATE Minorities Scheme does not require a separate qualification deck.

Part 4: Fill the Form Online

Step 1: Visit the Startup Karnataka ELEVATE portal.

Step 2: Click Register and create an account using the required company and personal details.

Step 3: Open the Login page and sign in to your account.

Step 4: Select ELEVATE Minorities from the available application calls.

Step 5: Enter the required details about your company and its founders or partners.

Step 6: Provide the proof of minority ownership and upload the digital Minority Certificate with its valid RD Number.

Step 7: Upload your pitch deck, notarised affidavit, CA-certified documents and company registration papers, along with the other required documents.

Step 8: Review the information you entered and check that every required document is attached. Submit the application before the closing time.

Step 9: Note down your ELEVATE ID after submission. Keep it safe so you can refer to it when tracking your application or seeking assistance.

Part 5: After You Apply

Step 1: The authorities first check your eligibility and supporting documents. Incomplete applications or applications that fail the eligibility conditions may be rejected.

Step 2: Startups that clear the initial checks are invited to present their business proposals in person.

Step 3: The minority Director or Partner who meets the minimum 51% ownership requirement must attend the pitch in person.

Step 4: Your startup must score at least 60 marks to qualify for the Grand Finale.

Step 5: The jury evaluates startups out of 100 marks across five areas: innovation (30), business model (30), social and economic impact (20), team (10), and budget (10).

Step 6: The ELEVATE Evaluation Committee approves the selected startups. Winners receive the grant in stages linked to milestones and are connected with a K-Tech partner for support.

Important: Keep your ownership records accurate and disclose any changes in shareholding. Do not submit false information or documents, as this may lead to disqualification or withdrawal of grant assistance.

Which Startups Can Apply for Karnataka ELEVATE Minorities Scheme

The Karnataka ELEVATE Minorities Scheme does not restrict applications to specific business sectors. Startups working in areas such as food, software, clean energy or healthcare can apply if they meet the scheme’s eligibility conditions and demonstrate innovation.

• Startups from any sector can apply, as the scheme does not specify a fixed list of eligible industries.
• The startup must demonstrate innovation, as innovation and the business model carry 30 marks each in the evaluation process.
• The startup should need funding for prototype development, market development or business expansion.
• The business must be a Private Limited Company, Registered Partnership Firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), One Person Company (OPC) or Co-operative Society incorporated in Karnataka.
• The eligible minority founder or members must hold at least 51% equity, and the qualifying Director or Partner must possess a valid digital Minority Certificate.
• Unlike the Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme, this call does not require applicants to qualify as DeepTech startups or declare a Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Karnataka ELEVATE Minorities Scheme official portal, Startup Karnataka
• Register to apply for ELEVATE Minorities 2026 for minority-led startups
• Login to track your ELEVATE Minorities application
• ELEVATE Minorities CA-attested shareholding pattern template to show 51% minority equity (DOCX)
• ELEVATE Minorities CA revenue certificate template for FY 2025-26 (DOCX)
• ELEVATE Minorities single pitch deck template (PPTX)
• ELEVATE Minorities startup affidavit template for 100 rupee e-stamp paper (DOCX)
• ELEVATE Pitch Masterclass guide, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, Karnataka
• Seva Sindhu portal for Revenue Department certificates in Karnataka
• 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

• Startup Karnataka Helpline: 080-22231007, open from 10 am to 5:30 pm
• Email: startupcell@karnataka.gov.in
• 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

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.