Elevate Karnataka: Transforming the State's Startup Landscape

Karnataka has firmly established itself as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. Central to this transformation is Elevate Karnataka, a flagship initiative by the state government designed to identify, nurture, and fund the most promising startups. By offering grants, mentorship, industry connections, customer engagement, capital access, and research and development (R&D) support, Elevate Karnataka has significantly reshaped the state's startup ecosystem.

How Elevate Karnataka is Catalyzing Startup Growth

Launched with the vision of propelling Karnataka into a global startup hub, Elevate Karnataka has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support to early-stage ventures. As of March 2025, the program has disbursed ₹249 crore, benefiting 1,084 startups. Notably, 25% of these startups are led by women, and 30% originate from regions beyond Bengaluru, underscoring the program's commitment to inclusive growth. (m.economictimes.com)

Comprehensive Support Structure of Elevate Karnataka

Elevate Karnataka offers a multifaceted support system to nurture startups:

• Grants: Startups can receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh, providing crucial financial backing during the early stages. (m.economictimes.com)

• Mentorship: Through collaborations with industry associations like NASSCOM and TiE, startups gain access to seasoned mentors who guide them through challenges and growth phases.

• Industry and Customer Connect: Elevate Karnataka facilitates connections between startups and established industry players, as well as potential customers, fostering opportunities for collaboration and market entry.

• Capital Connect: Beyond grants, the program links startups with venture capital networks, enhancing their prospects for securing additional funding.

• R&D Support: By mapping selected startups to K-Tech Hubs and Centres of Excellence, Elevate Karnataka ensures they have access to advanced research facilities and expertise. (inc42.com)

Leadership Driving Elevate Karnataka

The success of Elevate Karnataka is a testament to the proactive leadership of Karnataka's government. The Department of Electronics, Information Technology, and Biotechnology has been pivotal in crafting policies that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Initiatives like the Karnataka Startup Policy 2022-27 provide a strategic roadmap to position the state as a global startup destination. (egov.eletsonline.com)

Leaders such as Priyank Kharge, the Minister for IT & BT, have been instrumental in championing these initiatives, ensuring that startups receive the necessary support to thrive. Their vision emphasizes reducing regulatory hurdles, expanding funding avenues, and facilitating access to global markets. (tice.news)

Centres of Excellence: Shaping R&D Through Elevate Karnataka

Karnataka's Centres of Excellence (CoEs) play a crucial role in advancing R&D and fostering innovation. These centers focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources, Elevate Karnataka enables startups to engage in cutting-edge research and develop market-ready solutions. Collaborations with entities like @nasscomCoEIoT, @KtechiH, and @ktech_DSAI further enhance the innovation ecosystem, offering startups access to a vast network of industry experts and technological resources.

Fuelshine: A Success Story Under Elevate Karnataka

A notable beneficiary of Elevate Karnataka is Fuelshine, developed by Gypsee Automotive Private Limited. Founded by Vikash Verma and Fuelshine team, Fuelshine is dedicated to promoting sustainable driving practices, directly contributing to India's net-zero emission targets. (in.linkedin.com)

How Elevate Karnataka Empowered Fuelshine

Participation in Elevate Karnataka has been a milestone for Fuelshine. The financial support has enabled critical R&D activities, while mentorship and industry connections have facilitated strategic partnerships and market penetration. Such comprehensive support underscores how Elevate Karnataka serves as a catalyst for startups aiming to make a significant impact.

Thank You, NASSCOM CoE IoT Team!

A huge thank you to @Navratan K, @Amey Purshan, @Ashutosh Kumar, @Sanjeev Malhotra, @Adarsh S B, and the entire NASSCOM CoE IoT team for your invaluable mentorship and guidance. Your support has been instrumental in Fuelshine's journey towards winning the Elevate Karnataka Award. Your expertise and encouragement have helped us refine our vision and align it with sustainability goals, making India's roads safer and greener. We look forward to continued collaboration as we scale our impact.

Elevate Karnataka stands as a testament to Karnataka's unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. By providing a robust support system encompassing financial aid, mentorship, and strategic connections, Elevate Karnataka is empowering startups like Fuelshine to realize their visions and contribute meaningfully to societal goals such as sustainability and net-zero emissions. As these startups thrive, they not only drive economic growth but also pave the way for a greener, safer future.

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