Karnataka has once again highlighted the depth and diversity of its startup ecosystem by recognising 146 startups under its flagship ELEVATE programme, reinforcing the state’s position as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The latest round includes 103 winners under ELEVATE 2025, 33 startups supported through ELEVATE Unnati for entrepreneurs from the SC and ST communities, and 10 startups selected under ELEVATE Minorities 2025. Together, the government has committed ₹38.85 crore in grants, continuing its focus on early-stage capital combined with mentoring and incubation support.
Under the programme, selected startups receive a one-time grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh, along with access to structured mentoring and incubation through government-backed centres. The support is designed to help early-stage ventures move from idea to market readiness, particularly in sectors aligned with Karnataka’s innovation priorities.
Since its inception in 2017, the ELEVATE initiative has disbursed ₹287.85 crore in seed funding to 1,230 startups across the state. The data reflects a deliberate emphasis on inclusive growth, with a significant share of beneficiaries coming from outside Bengaluru. Overall, 37% of supported startups are based beyond the capital city, highlighting the programme’s role in decentralising innovation. Additionally, 28% of funded ventures are led by women entrepreneurs, underscoring efforts to improve gender representation in the startup ecosystem.
The 2025 cohort further strengthens this inclusivity focus. Under ELEVATE 2025 alone, 43% of the selected startups are women-led, and an equal proportion originates from regions outside Bengaluru. The winning startups span a wide range of sectors, including agritech, biotechnology, food and beverages, aerospace, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting the broadening scope of innovation across Karnataka.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to entrepreneurship, IT and BT Minister Priyank M Kharge emphasised Karnataka’s foundational role in India’s startup journey. “As India marks 10 years of the Start-up India movement, this is where it all began. This is where success stories are being built,” he said, highlighting the close link between entrepreneurial success and the state’s economic progress.
Through ELEVATE, Karnataka continues to position itself as a long-term partner to startups, combining capital, capability building, and inclusivity to strengthen innovation-led growth across the state.
