Karnataka govt launches deeptech startup support programme, Elevate NxT

The Karnataka government on Wednesday launched Elevate NxT, a deeptech startup support programme under LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Program) with an earmarked corpus of Rs 150 crore.

According to a statement, the programme invites deeptech startups from across India to apply for grant-in-aid support of up to Rs 1 crore per startup, along with milestone-based funding, sector-aligned mentorship, and structured ecosystem support. The applications are open until February 17, 2026.

Elevate NxT is designed to nurture startups working at the frontiers of science and engineering, with a strong focus on transformative technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, internet of things (IoT), blockchain, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, 3D printing, drones, biotechnology, quantum computing, advanced materials, cybersecurity, green energy, and spacetech.

According to N Manjula, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology (ITBT), Government of Karnataka, "Elevate NxT is a key milestone in Karnataka’s DeepTech Decade, aimed at translating frontier research into globally competitive technologies. Since 2017, the Elevate program has empowered startups and driven innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth across Karnataka.”

The programme is open to deeptech startups across India as the state government aims to leverage the ecosystem with contributions towards innovation-led economic growth.

Recently, the Karnataka government also announced a new startup policy for 2025–2030, outlining a plan to establish 25,000 new startups over the next five years, with at least 10,000 expected to emerge from clusters beyond Bengaluru.

The state has earmarked Rs 5,70,675 crore for the policy, which focuses on funding access, incubation infrastructure, market expansion, and regulatory facilitation.

The policy places strong emphasis on decentralising startup activity beyond Bengaluru and prioritises sectors such as AI, blockchain, quantum computing, biotechnology and sustainability-linked technologies.

It also highlights seven focus areas: funding and grants, incubation and infrastructure, mentoring and skill development, market access and expansion, international collaboration, inclusion and sustainability, and regulatory facilitation.