ELEVATE NXT 2026 is a flagship Deeptech-focused grant-in-aid program launched by the Government of Karnataka to back high-potential, science- and engineering-led startups with non-dilutive funding and structured support. Selected startups can receive grant support of up to ₹1 crore, along with milestone-based disbursement and mentorship to help them scale globally competitive solutions. ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program

The program is open to Deeptech startups from across India, but winners based outside Karnataka must shift their registered office to Karnataka within a fixed time window, making it a powerful gateway into one of India’s strongest startup ecosystems. It especially targets startups working with advanced technologies like AI/ML, IoT, robotics, quantum, semiconductors, and other frontier tech sectors that can solve complex, real-world problems.

To help founders apply confidently and professionally, StartupMandi curates this grant in its Listing Directory and connects startups with experts who can support eligibility assessment, documentation, and proposal drafting. To view the opportunity and get started, visit the official StartupMandi listing for this grant:​

Quick Grant Snapshot

• Grant Name / Scheme Name:
  ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program (also written as ELEVATE NxT 2026).
• Grant Provider / Ministry / Organisation:
  Government of Karnataka – Department of Electronics, IT & BT (ITBT), implemented via Startup Karnataka under the LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Program) framework.
• Sector / Focus Area:
  Deeptech startups using advanced technologies (AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Robotics, Quantum, Semiconductors, etc.).
• Geography / Eligible Location:
  Startups from anywhere in India; winners registered outside Karnataka must shift their Registered Office (RoC) to Karnataka within four months of result announcement.
• Funding Type:
  Non-dilutive, milestone-based grant-in-aid (no equity stake taken by the government).
• Maximum Funding / Benefit:
  Up to ₹1 crore per selected Deeptech startup.
• Application Mode:
  Online application through the official Government of Karnataka startup portal (Mission Startup Karnataka – Elevate NXT section).
• Application Start Date:
  Program launched in January 2026; exact opening date is not clearly specified in public documents, but the scheme page and communication went live around mid‑January 2026.
• Application Deadline:
  17 February 2026.
• Result / Selection Announcement Timeline:
  Exact result date is not specified; evaluation involves multi-stage jury rounds and a Grand Finale before final winners are announced.

About the Grant Provider

The ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Program is offered by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT (ITBT), Government of Karnataka, which leads the state’s technology, innovation, and startup initiatives. The scheme is implemented under the Startup Karnataka umbrella and aligned with the LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Program) framework that aims to drive innovation-led industrial transformation and local economic growth.

Karnataka has publicly positioned itself for a “Deep Tech Decade” with large dedicated funds and policies to support AI, robotics, quantum, advanced manufacturing, and related areas, making this grant a central instrument in its strategy. Through programs like ELEVATE and Elevate NxT, the state seeks to convert frontier research and engineering into globally competitive startups with strong societal impact.

About the Scheme / Grant Program

ELEVATE NXT 2026 is a Deeptech-focused extension of the broader ELEVATE program, designed to identify, support, and scale startups that build novel, science- and engineering-led solutions. The objective is to create a transparent, standardized, and accountable grant-in-aid process for Deeptech startups across India under the LEAP program.

The scheme specifically supports ventures working with advanced technologies such as AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Robotics, Drones, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductors, Advanced Materials, Cybersecurity, Green Energy, and more. Startups receive non-dilutive funding (up to ₹1 crore) alongside structured mentorship, multi-stage evaluation, and ecosystem support to help them move from proof-of-concept to scalable, market-ready solutions with global competitiveness.

Who Can Apply & Target Group

The program is aimed at innovation-led, high-potential Deeptech startups rather than generic IT or service-based companies. In simple terms, it targets:

1. Type of entities:
   • Registered Private Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), or Registered Partnership Firms.
2. Stage of startup:
   • Early-stage to growth-stage startups (up to 10 years from incorporation) with at least proof-of-concept / prototype level maturity.
3. Sector focus (indicative):
   • Quantum Technologies, Energy & Climate, Mobility & Logistics, Generative AI, Cybersecurity & Secure Systems, FinTech, Space & Satellite, Aerospace & Defence, AgriTech & FoodTech, Health/Bio/Life Sciences, Nanotechnology, Semiconductors & Microelectronics, Industrial Automation, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Robotics, and related Deeptech areas.
4. Geography:
   • Startups from any state in India can apply, but selected startups registered outside Karnataka must shift their registered office to Karnataka within four months of being declared winners.
5. Special focus groups:
   • While not restricted to specific social groups, the scheme strongly favours solutions with high societal impact, innovation depth, and the potential to create new markets or transform existing ones.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

From official and program-related documents, the key eligibility criteria are:

1. Legal structure and registration: Must be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm at the time of application.
2. Age of the startup: Startup must be not more than 10 years old from the date of incorporation on the date of application.
3. Turnover limits: Annual turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
4. Entity independence: Must be an independent entity, not a subsidiary, spin‑off, or internal division of an existing company.
5. Team size: Minimum team size of two individuals.
6. Geographic condition: Startups can be based anywhere in India, but winners registered outside Karnataka must shift their Registered Office (RoC) to Karnataka within four months of result announcement; failure to do so may lead to rejection of the application.
7. Prior ELEVATE funding: Applicants must not have received ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid support in the previous three years.
8. Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Startup should demonstrate a TRL between 3 and 8, supported by proof such as PoC, prototype, pilot, or scientific validation.
9. Deeptech qualification: Must clearly qualify as a Deeptech startup, using advanced technologies for novel-to-market solutions or new technology creation, with strong IP or proprietary technology potential.
10. Compliance requirements: While standard details like PAN, GST, and other statutory registrations are typically required for company operations, these are not exhaustively enumerated in public program documents; applicants should ensure their regulatory compliance is up to date.
11. Individuals vs entities: Public information consistently frames eligibility around registered business entities (company/LLP/partnership); individuals without a registered entity are not indicated as eligible.

Where something is not explicitly mentioned (for example, exact GST requirement wording), it should be treated as “not clearly specified in official documentation” and verified on the official portal before submission.

Funding Support & Benefits

The ELEVATE NXT 2026 program offers substantial non-dilutive capital plus ecosystem support:

1. Maximum grant amount:
   • Selected startups are eligible for grant-in-aid support of up to ₹1 crore each.
2. Nature of funding:
   • Funding is non-equity, non-dilutive grant-in-aid, meaning the government does not take a stake in the startup.
3. Disbursement model:
   • Funds are released through a milestone-based framework, ensuring accountability and alignment with agreed project and business milestones.
4. Indicative coverage of expenses:
   • While the exact eligible cost heads are not fully listed publicly, grant-in-aid under such schemes typically supports product development, prototyping, pilot deployments, technology validation, IP-related activities, and early market scaling in line with program guidelines.
5. Non-monetary benefits:
   • Structured mentorship and expert guidance throughout the program.
   • Access to ecosystem networks, domain experts, and potential partners through Startup Karnataka and the state’s broader innovation network.
   • Visibility through pitching rounds and the Grand Finale, which can help in future investment and partnership conversations.

Documents Required While Applying

Official and program-related sources highlight several mandatory items, especially focused on Deeptech justification and financial/registration proof. Expect at least the following:

Specifically mentioned as required:

1. Two separate pitch decks in prescribed templates:
   • One for Deeptech qualification.
   • One for business model and growth plan.​
2. A 200‑word Deeptech justification statement explaining why the startup qualifies as Deeptech.​
3. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) declaration (selecting TRL 3–8 with supporting evidence).
4. Certificate of Incorporation and constitutional documents such as:
   • Memorandum of Association (for companies).
   • LLP Agreement / Partnership Deed (for LLPs and partnerships).
5. CA‑certified revenue certificate for the latest relevant financial year (e.g., FY 2024–25) to validate turnover limits.​
6. Affidavit (on ₹100 e‑stamp paper) signed by promoters, including a declaration that the startup has not received ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid in the last three years.​
7. Patent filing or grant certificates, or IP-related documents, if applicable, to support Deeptech/IP claims.​

Typically required (common for such schemes – not all explicitly listed):

• PAN of the entity and key promoters (commonly required for KYC, though not explicitly spelled out in public program notes).
• GST registration certificate, if applicable, in line with business operations (commonly required but not specifically detailed in sources).
• Address proof of registered office (lease deed, utility bill, etc.) usually required for RoC and portal verification, especially for startups shifting to Karnataka.
• Last 1–3 years audited financial statements, if available, to support revenue and financial declarations (typical in such grants though not fully enumerated in public summaries).

The official portal may list additional mandatory uploads (e.g., director KYC, shareholding pattern, cap table, or specific formats for pitch decks), so founders should carefully review the checklist on the online application form before final submission.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Based on official descriptions and program documentation, the application process is online and multi-stage. A practical, founder-friendly breakdown:

1. Review eligibility and program details
   • Read the ELEVATE NXT 2026 section on the official Mission Startup Karnataka / Department of Electronics, IT & BT portal to confirm your startup fits the Deeptech definition, TRL range (3–8), and turnover/age criteria.
   • Keep a clear note of the deadline (17 February 2026) and plan to apply at least a few days in advance.
2. Create or log in to your account on the official portal
   • Visit the official startup/innovation portal of the Government of Karnataka and navigate to the Elevate NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid section.
   • Register your startup with basic details (founder info, email, mobile, entity type, CIN/LLPIN, etc.) if you are not already registered on the portal.
3. Fill in the online application form
   • Complete the online form with details such as:
     • Entity information (name, incorporation date, type, RoC state, turnover figures).
     • Team details (founder profiles, team size, roles).
     • Technology overview and problem statement.
     • Market opportunity, business model, and revenue plan.
   • Provide the 200‑word Deeptech justification statement explaining how your solution is Deeptech (technology used, IP, scientific base, etc.).
   • Select your current Technology Readiness Level (TRL 3–8) and support it with PoC/prototype details.
4. Upload required documents and pitch decks
   • Upload the two prescribed pitch decks:
     • Deeptech Qualification deck.
     • Business Model / Go-to-market deck.​
   • Upload registration documents, CA-certified revenue certificate, affidavits, and any IP certificates as specified in the portal checklist.
   • Ensure all uploaded files are in the recommended formats (usually PDF or PPT/PPTX) and within the size limits stated on the portal.
5. Submit the application and retain the acknowledgement
   • Review all fields carefully; ensure there are no inconsistencies in financials, incorporation dates, or Deeptech claims.
   • Submit the application online and save/print the acknowledgement or application ID for future reference.
6. Participate in evaluation rounds if shortlisted
   • After a data sufficiency and eligibility check, shortlisted startups move to Level 1 Jury Evaluation, where a two‑member jury evaluates the qualification deck; at least one member must agree that you qualify as Deeptech to advance.​
   • Next, shortlisted startups pitch in in-person evaluation rounds (Level 2) and then in a Grand Finale, with a minimum score of 60 required in the initial in-person round to progress.​
   • Final winners are chosen based on a weighted score: 40% from the first in-person round and 60% from the Grand Finale.​
7. Application fee
   • Publicly available documents and announcements do not explicitly mention any application fee; it is likely that applications are free, but applicants should confirm on the official portal at the time of submission.

Important Dates & Timeline

Based on available announcements and program listings:

1. Program launch / announcement:
   • Elevate NXT Deeptech program for 2026 was announced in January 2026 as part of Karnataka’s Deeptech focus.
2. Application opening:
   • Scheme pages and official communication went live around mid‑January 2026; however, an exact formal “start date” is not clearly specified in public-facing documents.
3. Application deadline:
   • 17 February 2026 (online applications to be submitted by this date).
4. Evaluation period:
   • Multi-stage evaluation (data sufficiency check, Level 1 jury, Level 2 in-person pitching, and Grand Finale), but specific calendar dates for each stage are not specified.
5. Result / selection announcement:
   • Final announcement dates are not mentioned explicitly in public documents; applicants should monitor the official portal and email regularly for updates.

Founders should treat dates as time-bound and avoid waiting until the last day, because government portals can be busy or slow near deadlines.

Key Things to Keep in Mind While Applying

• Show strong Deeptech depth, not just “IT”.
  • Clearly highlight the scientific or engineering foundation, advanced technologies used, and potential IP in your application and decks.
• Align with priority sectors and societal impact.
  • Demonstrate how your solution fits priority areas like AI, climate, mobility, health, or semiconductors, and how it solves real, large-scale problems.
• Be accurate with financials and incorporation data.
  • Inconsistencies in turnover figures, incorporation date, or team size can lead to rejection during the data sufficiency check.
• Prepare strong pitch decks.
  • The jury evaluation is heavily deck-driven, especially at Level 1 and Level 2, so clarity, structure, and storytelling matter as much as the tech.
• Keep all legal and registration documents updated.
  • Ensure your incorporation records, RoC details, and statutory registrations are accurate before you apply, especially if you may need to shift RoC to Karnataka upon selection.
• Apply well before the deadline.
  • Avoid last-minute submission issues due to portal load or document formatting problems; internal best practice is to target submission at least 3–5 days before 17 February 2026.

How StartupMandi Can Help You

StartupMandi is a specialised platform that curates verified grant opportunities like ELEVATE NXT 2026 in its Grant Listing Directory, making it easier for startups and businesses to discover relevant funding schemes. By centralising such opportunities and explaining them in founder-friendly language, it saves teams from manually scanning multiple government websites and news sources.​

Beyond discovery, StartupMandi connects you with grant and startup experts who can support you end-to-end: from checking eligibility and refining your Deeptech positioning to drafting grant-ready pitch decks, business plans, and application responses. These experts can also help you structure financial projections, validate your TRL claims, and ensure that your documents are complete and consistent with what the jury expects in multi-stage evaluations.

To apply professionally for this grant, you can:

1. Visit the StartupMandi listing for “ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program” and review the summary and key requirements.
2. Connect with StartupMandi Experts for:
   • Eligibility and readiness assessment.
   • Application and funding strategy.
   • Drafting/refining pitch decks, business plans, and supporting documents.
   • Coordinating timelines so that your application is submitted correctly and on time.

A well-prepared, clearly positioned, and complete application significantly increases your chances of clearing the data sufficiency check, impressing the jury, and ultimately winning the grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

ELEVATE NXT 2026 is a rare opportunity for Deeptech startups across India to secure up to ₹1 crore in non-dilutive grant support from the Government of Karnataka, backed by mentorship and a strong innovation ecosystem. If your startup is building science- and engineering-led solutions in frontier technologies, this program can provide both capital and credibility to accelerate your growth.

Because the application is competitive and evaluation is multi-stage, it is crucial to present your Deeptech story, impact, and financials crisply and professionally. To maximise your chances, consider working with StartupMandi Experts—visit the ELEVATE NXT 2026 grant listing on StartupMandi and start preparing a high-quality application well before the deadline.