The Karnataka Government in an effort to boost the startup ecosystem has launched the “Elevate Program” to identify 100 of the most innovative startups in Karnataka, to elevate to them to next level of success.
The program will spend Rs. 400 crore to ‘elevate’ the selected startups by providing them funds and mentors to help them turn their ideas into successful businesses. Karnataka’s IT and BT Minister, Priyank Kharge unveiled the program along with the official website and logo for the flagship initiative on Wednesday.
The scheme is the brainchild of the startup cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS) and will help identify startups working in the field of IT, Electronic System Design Manufacturing, Animation Visual Gaming & Comics, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, and Life Sciences.
Startups under this program will also be provided with access to idea validation, incubation facilities and in depth sessions for startups on accounting, legal and emerging technologies.
Speaking at the launch, the IT Minister said through Elevate they will provide startups with technical and business support based on their need along with funding. Till date, the startup cell has identified 46 startups and sanctioned ₹ 15.68 crores in the field of biotech, tourism and IT.
Startups from Mangaluru, Kalaburgi, Mysuru and Hubli will get the opportunity to pitch their ideas to the Elevate team in open houses that will be held by the State Government. Registration began on 4 July 2017 and will be open until 18 July 2017, for all participants across Karnataka.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Elevate is one of the highlights of the work that we are doing to boost trade and business in Karnataka and the Government is happy to be inaugurating the program.
According to the IT Minister, venture capitalists have also been brought on board to help curate and fund startups, although at the initial stages the government will fund the startups to bring them to a point where it is investible for the VCs.
This program has been launched in partnership with the Deshpande Foundation, The Indus Entrepreneurs and others to empower startups and scale operations. The Government of Karnataka has taken tremendous steps to encourage the startup ecosystem. They announced a $ 1.4 million fund for women entrepreneurs in March this year. IT Minister Priyank Kharge has also allocated a $ 1.65 million fund for agritech startups in May and later announced a fund of $ 1.65 million for 26 selected startups in the biotechnology sector.