Not yet classifiedELEVATE_KA
ELEVATE (Karnataka) — Idea2PoC startup grant
Karnataka's flagship state grant for early-stage startups: a grant-in-aid (Idea2PoC) of up to ₹50 lakh to take an innovative idea to proof of concept. Run by the Karnataka Startup Cell for startups based in Karnataka — apply free on the official Startup Karnataka portal.
NOTICE
This service is free. We will never ask for payment. If anyone offers to apply on your behalf for a fee, they are not us.
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Official fee
₹0 — completely free
Applying to ELEVATE is free. The grant is paid by the Government of Karnataka against milestones — no one may charge you to apply, and you should never pay an agent an upfront fee to submit or 'fast-track' your application.
Beware of lookalike portals
Apply only on the official Startup Karnataka portal. Ignore agents or websites that promise guaranteed selection for a fee — government grants are never sold.
Only the "Apply on official portal" button above leads to the verified government site.
Highlights and Media
Key Highlights
Up to ₹50 Lakh Grant
Non-dilutive grant-in-aid to help early-stage startups build prototypes and PoCs.
Karnataka Exclusive
Specifically for registered startups operating within the state of Karnataka.
Incubation & Mentorship
Access to Karnataka Startup Cell support network, empanelled incubators, and corporate partners.
ELEVATE Funding Cap Allocation
Maximum possible milestone-linked grant amount available per startup cohort
Milestone-linked non-dilutive grant released in tranches to construct the prototype and validate technical concept.
Who is eligible
- You are based in Karnataka, where this state grant is offered.
- Your venture is innovation-driven, which ELEVATE's Idea2PoC grant supports.
- You are looking for grant funding to reach proof of concept.
Eligibility rules · v1 · effective 1 April 2022
Who is not eligible
- ELEVATE is a grant for building a proof of concept — add a funding goal to see it here.
- ELEVATE is a Karnataka state scheme. Set your state to Karnataka to check this grant.
- ELEVATE funds novel, scalable technology ideas — flag your innovation focus to see if it fits.
How to apply
Check the current ELEVATE call
Review the open ELEVATE / Idea2PoC call and eligibility on the Startup Karnataka portal, and confirm your startup is registered in Karnataka.
Typical duration · 1 day
Register and prepare your application
Create an account on the ELEVATE portal and prepare your idea write-up, pitch deck, and budget.
Typical duration · 7 days
Submit your application
Submit your application and documents on the official portal during the open call — there is no fee.
Typical duration · 1 day
Pitch and evaluation
Shortlisted startups pitch to an evaluation panel; selected startups receive Idea2PoC grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh, released against milestones.
Sources
- Startup Karnataka — official portal (Karnataka Startup Cell, KITS, Govt of Karnataka)MINISTRY_PORTAL · Fetched 5 July 2026
- ELEVATE — Karnataka Idea2PoC grant application portalMINISTRY_PORTAL · Fetched 5 July 2026
Additional Details
ELEVATE is the Government of Karnataka's flagship startup-funding programme, run by the Karnataka Startup Cell under the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), part of the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Science & Technology. It is delivered under the Karnataka Startup Policy 2022-2027.
The programme's core offering is an Idea2PoC grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh, given to early-stage, innovation-driven startups to build a proof of concept or prototype. Funding is milestone-linked, and startups are selected through a competitive pitching and evaluation process run in cohorts.
ELEVATE is for startups registered and operating in Karnataka, with a focus on novel technology and a scalable solution. The state also runs themed, sector-specific calls and supports startups beyond Bengaluru.
Applying through the official Startup Karnataka portal is free. You should never pay an agent or middleman to apply or to 'get selected' — a genuine government grant never requires an upfront fee to a third party.
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