Karnataka ELEVATE – Idea2PoC Grant
by Government of Karnataka · KITS
Karnataka’s flagship startup grant offering substantial equity-free funding to innovative startups to move from idea to proof of concept, run by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T.
Quick answer
Karnataka’s flagship startup grant offering substantial equity-free funding to innovative startups to move from idea to proof of concept, run by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T.
| Funding amount | Up to ₹50 Lakh |
|---|---|
| Funding type | Government Grant |
| Provider | Government of Karnataka · KITS |
| Application deadline | Rolling · always open |
| Eligible stage | Prototype |
| Sector | Sector agnostic |
| Who can apply | Startups registered and operating in Karnataka |
Who is eligible
- Startup registered in Karnataka with a majority of operations in the state
- Generally less than the scheme's maximum age at the time of application
- Innovative and scalable technology-led product or service
- Turnover within the limits notified for the current ELEVATE cohort
Funding & benefits
- Equity-free grant of up to ₹50 lakh disbursed in milestone tranches
- Mentorship and incubation support from Karnataka's startup ecosystem
- Visibility with investors through state demo days
How to apply
- Watch for the annual ELEVATE cohort announcement on the official portal
- Submit the online application with your technical and business proposal
- Multi-stage evaluation including expert panel and pitch rounds
- Selected startups sign an agreement and receive tranche-based funding
Documents you’ll need
- Certificate of incorporation and Karnataka address proof
- DPIIT recognition (where applicable)
- Detailed project report and milestone budget
- Audited financials and founder KYC
Frequently asked questions
Is ELEVATE equity-free?
Yes, ELEVATE Idea2PoC is a grant-in-aid programme and does not take equity.
When do applications open?
ELEVATE runs in cohorts announced on the official portal - check the site for the current call.
Verify all details on the official link before applying, scheme terms and deadlines change. Pitch Karo India lists opportunities for discovery only, is not affiliated with the funding body, and never charges for applications.