256 Startups Selected as Finalists in Karnataka's ELEVATE NxT 2026 Deep-Tech Program
Karnataka's ELEVATE NxT 2026 program has selected 256 startups as finalists from 983 applications received across India, with 661 initially shortlisted for in-person pitches. The flagship initiative, run by the state's Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, focuses on deep-tech sectors including AI, quantum technologies, space tech, and clean tech. Winners will receive grants up to ₹1 crore per startup along with mentorship and ecosystem support to develop globally competitive solutions.
Karnataka's ELEVATE NxT 2026 program has completed its selection process, identifying 256 finalists from 983 startup applications submitted nationwide. The shortlisting and pitching process, which took approximately two months, resulted in 661 startups being selected for in-person pitch presentations at the grand finale. The program, organized by the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology under the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP), focuses on deep-tech innovation across sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum technologies, space tech, health tech, clean tech, and mobility. Selected startups will be eligible for grant-in-aid support of up to ₹1 crore, milestone-based funding, domain-specific mentorship, and structured ecosystem support. Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that ELEVATE NxT 2026 represents the next evolution of the decade-long ELEVATE program, expanding its reach beyond the state to identify breakthrough innovations with global potential.
What's missing
The timeline for winner announcement and disbursement of grants is not specified. Additionally, details on the selection criteria used to narrow 983 applications to 661 shortlisted startups are not provided.
What different sources said
- The HinduCenter
256 startups emerge as finalists in Karnataka’s ELEVATE NxT 2026
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