Karnataka Shortlists 256 Deeptech Startup Finalists in ELEVATE NxT 2026!
The Karnataka government has successfully concluded its flagship ELEVATE NxT 2026 deeptech startup support programme, drawing an overwhelming response from innovators across the country. The department received applications from nearly 1,000 startups, of which 256 deeptech startups have been shortlisted as finalists .
📊 At a Glance: The Numbers Behind ELEVATE NxT 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Applications Received | 983 startups (from across India) |
| Shortlisted for In-Person Pitches | 661 startups |
| Finalists Selected | 256 deeptech startups |
| Total Programme Corpus | ₹150 crore |
| Grant per Selected Startup | Up to ₹1 crore (milestone-based) |
| Application Deadline | February 17, 2026 |
| Process Completion | ~60 days |
💡 Focus Sectors: Where Innovation is Thriving
ELEVATE NxT 2026 is designed to nurture startups working at the frontiers of science and engineering. The applications spanned critical frontier technology sectors, including :
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML)
- Quantum Technologies
- Space Technology (SpaceTech)
- Healthtech & Biotech
- CleanTech & Green Energy
- Mobility & Logistics
- Semiconductors & Microelectronics
- Robotics & Industrial Automation
- Cybersecurity & Secure Systems
- Aerospace & Defence
- Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
- AgriTech & FoodTech
🏆 What Selected Startups Receive
The programme offers a comprehensive support package designed to help deep-tech startups translate breakthrough innovations into scalable, globally competitive solutions :
| Support Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant-in-Aid Funding | Up to ₹1 crore per startup (milestone-based disbursement) |
| Mentorship | Domain-specific mentorship from industry experts |
| Ecosystem Support | Access to investor networks, industry partners, and government bodies |
| Evaluation Process | Multi-stage, transparent, and rigorous (including in-person pitching) |
The programme is open to deep-tech startups from across India, enabling innovators nationwide to contribute to Karnataka’s innovation-led growth. However, selected out-of-state winners must relocate their Registered Office to Karnataka within four months of being declared winners .
🚀 Why This Matters: Karnataka’s Deeptech Ambition
As Priyank Kharge, Karnataka Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, noted in a post on X :
*”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. Building on that legacy, ELEVATE NxT 2026 marks the next chapter with a dedicated focus on deep tech, opening the platform to startups from across the country.”*
N Manjula, IT/BT department secretary, added :
“The scale, diversity and quality of participation this year highlights the growing strength of India’s deeptech ecosystem and Karnataka’s role as its anchor.”
The programme represents a key milestone in the state’s “Deep Tech Decade” vision, reinforcing Karnataka’s position as India’s premier hub for science-led innovation and entrepreneurship .
📈 Building on a Strong Legacy
ELEVATE NxT 2026 builds on the decade-long success of the ELEVATE programme. Under ELEVATE 2025, 146 startups were recognised with total committed grants of ₹38.85 crore. Notably, 43% of those selected were women-led enterprises and an equal proportion were based beyond Bengaluru .
Since its launch in 2017, the ELEVATE programme has disbursed ₹287.85 crore as grant-in-aid seed funding to 1,230 startups across Karnataka, without taking any equity stake .
🤝 Alongside ELEVATE NxT: Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund
To complement ELEVATE NxT, the Karnataka government has also launched a ₹75 crore Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund with a ₹20 crore state commitment . Phase I of this fund will focus on Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad, deploying equity and equity-linked investments starting at ₹50 lakh per startup .
This initiative aims to accelerate startup growth in emerging innovation clusters outside the capital city, ensuring that deep-tech talent across the state has access to capital and support.
🎯 How Finalists Were Selected
The selection process was rigorous and transparent :
- Level 1 Evaluation: Shortlisted from 983 applications based on technology depth, innovation uniqueness, and market potential
- In-Person Pitching Round (Level 2): 661 startups presented their innovations before expert juries
- Grand Finale: 256 finalists emerged, with winners yet to be announced
The entire process was completed in a record 60 days, reflecting the programme’s efficiency, transparency, and institutional coordination .
✨ The Final Word
Karnataka’s ELEVATE NxT 2026 has reaffirmed the state’s leadership in fostering deep-tech innovation. With 256 finalists selected from nearly 1,000 applicants, the programme has successfully cast a wide net across the country, identifying high-potential startups working on some of the most complex technological challenges of our time.
The winners, once announced, will receive up to ₹1 crore in grant-in-aid support, along with mentorship and ecosystem access to scale their innovations globally. This initiative is a powerful testament to Karnataka’s commitment to building a future-ready, deep-tech-driven economy and its role as India’s anchor for science-led entrepreneurship.
For more updates on India’s deeptech ecosystem, startup funding, and government initiatives, keep it locked on StartupPoint.in.
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