Karnataka concludes Elevate Nxt 2026, shortlists 256 deeptech startup finalists

Karnataka's IT/BT department on Wednesday concluded Elevate Nxt 2026, its flagship deeptech startup support programme, with 256 startups shortlisted as finalists from 983 applicants. The final winners will be selected among these 256 startups.

The department said the programme, which expanded its scope nationally this year, invited applications from deeptech startups across India, building on the Elevate initiative that has supported early-stage startups in Karnataka for nearly a decade.

Applications were received from startups operating in sectors such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum technologies, spacetech, healthtech, cleantech, mobility and other frontier technology domains, according to the department.


Elevate Nxt 2026 offers grant-in-aid support of up to Rs 1 crore per startup, along with milestone-based funding, domain-specific mentorship and structured ecosystem support to help startups translate breakthrough innovations into scalable, globally competitive solutions.

“For close to a decade, Elevate has empowered Karnataka’s early-stage startups by providing grant-in-aid support and the right ecosystem to scale bold ideas,” IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge said in a statement. “It was incredible to witness innovators tackling some of the most complex challenges across frontier technologies, including AI/ML, quantum, space, healthtech, cleantech and mobility.”

The department said the entire process was completed in a record 60 days.

“The scale, diversity and quality of participation this year highlight the growing strength of India's deeptech ecosystem and Karnataka’s role as its anchor,” IT/BT department secretary N Manjula said.