Karnataka Celebrates ELEVATE 2025 Start-Up Winners with ₹38.85 Crore Grant

The Information Technology Ministry of Karnataka held a ceremony on March 16, 2024, to honor the winners of the ELEVATE 2025 program, which supports innovative start-ups at various stages of their development. This event signifies a pivotal moment in Karnataka’s ongoing efforts to enhance its start-up ecosystem and promote entrepreneurial growth within the region.

A total of 146 start-ups were recognized under ELEVATE 2025, which included 103 winners, 33 winners from the ELEVATE Unnati initiative, and 10 from ELEVATE Minorities. These start-ups collectively received a grant of ₹38.85 crore. Notably, 43% of the recognized start-ups were led by women, and another 43% were based outside of Bengaluru, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and regional development.

Support for Entrepreneurs

The ELEVATE program provides a one-time Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹50 lakh for qualifying start-ups, alongside crucial mentoring and incubation support offered at subsidized rates through state-supported incubation centers. This comprehensive assistance aims to facilitate product development and validation, enabling entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions.

Priyank Kharge, the Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, as well as Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, emphasized the effectiveness of the ELEVATE program during the felicitation ceremony. He stated, “The sustained success of the ELEVATE program lies in its mission-mode implementation.” His remarks underscored the importance of structured support for start-ups as they navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.

Karnataka has emerged as a vital hub for innovation, attracting attention for its proactive measures in fostering a diverse start-up ecosystem. The ELEVATE initiative stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and stimulating economic growth.

As the start-up landscape continues to evolve, programs like ELEVATE will play a crucial role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Karnataka and beyond. The support extended to these winners not only recognizes their potential but also reinforces the belief that bold ideas can lead to significant societal advancements.