Introduction The ELEVATE NxT Scheme 2026-27 is implemented by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) under the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka. Its formal name is the ELEVATE DeepTech Grant-in-Aid Scheme under the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP), aligned with the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025–2030. The scheme is designed to help deep-tech ventures move from research and experimental development towards commercial use. It focuses on technologies that require substantial research, specialised infrastructure, technical validation and longer development periods. Eligible startups must declare a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 8. Applications for the 2026–27 call are scheduled to be accepted online from 13 October 2026 to 13 November 2026, closing at 5:00 PM IST. Startups registered outside Karnataka can apply, but selected applicants must shift their registered office to Karnataka within four months of the result announcement. Applicants should confirm the current status and applicable terms on the official portal before submitting their forms. Benefits Grant support: A selected startup may receive a one-time grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 crore. Equity-free funding: The grant does not require the government to take an ownership stake in the company. Milestone-based disbursement: Funding is released in two instalments, with the second linked to the completion of approved project milestones. Mentorship: Selected ventures can receive guidance from experts in their respective technology domains. Incubation assistance: Eligible startups can access incubation support at subsidised rates. Technology validation: The programme supports further testing and validation of innovative solutions. Market connections: Startups can access relevant industry and market networks through K-Tech Innovation Partners. Innovation ecosystem: Support may be provided through government-backed incubators, accelerators and specialised Centres of Excellence. Eligibility Applicants must satisfy the applicable conditions before submitting an application: Permitted legal entities: The applicant must be a Private Limited Company, registered Partnership Firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or eligible State or Multi-State Cooperative Society. Location: Startups may be registered anywhere in India. Selected startups based outside Karnataka must move their registered office to Karnataka within four months of the result announcement. Age of business: The entity must be within 20 years of incorporation or registration when applying. Turnover: Annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹300 crore in any financial year since incorporation or registration. Team size: The founding or core team must include at least two individuals. Independent entity: The applicant must not be a subsidiary, spin-off or internal division of an existing business, or an entity created by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business. Previous ELEVATE funding: The startup must not have received an ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid benefit during the three years preceding the opening of applications on 13 October 2026. Deep-tech innovation: The solution must involve advanced scientific or engineering technology, significant technical complexity and intellectual property potential. Problem-solving potential: The innovation must address a genuine industrial, social or environmental problem or create a new market. Technology readiness: The declared TRL must fall between 3 and 8. Ownership compliance: Applicants must follow the scheme's rules on ownership and disclose relevant changes as required. Examples of relevant technology areas: Quantum technology, generative AI, cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductors, space technology, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, AgriTech, HealthTech, nanotechnology, fintech and industrial automation. The listed sectors are not exhaustive; other ventures may qualify if they meet the deep-tech criteria. Deep-tech requirement: The innovation should demonstrate advanced research or engineering, meaningful R&D activity, novel or developing intellectual property, substantial technical uncertainty and potential for commercialisation. Ordinary technology-enabled businesses may not qualify solely because they use digital tools. Documents Prepare the documents specified for the ELEVATE NxT application before starting the online submission: Certificate of Incorporation or applicable registration certificate. Memorandum of Association for a Private Limited Company, or the relevant LLP deed, Partnership Deed or cooperative registration documents. Chartered Accountant-certified revenue certificate for FY 2025–26 confirming compliance with the turnover limit. CA-attested shareholding pattern or applicable ownership details. Patent filing or grant certificate, if applicable. Pitch Deck 1: An anonymised qualification presentation limited to two slides, submitted in PDF or PPT format. Pitch Deck 2: A business model presentation prepared using the prescribed portal template. Startup affidavit notarised on ₹100 e-stamp paper, naming the startup as the first party and KITS as the second party. The PDF must be under 10 MB. Certified copy of the Board of Directors or Partners resolution authorising the affidavit signatories, attached to the affidavit. Annexure A: Details of previous government funding, or a declaration marked “NIL” if no such funding has been received. Pitch Deck 1 requirements: Do not include the company name, logo, founder names, address or patent details. Use the prescribed template and slide order, keep the presentation within two slides, and provide accurate, verifiable information explaining the startup's deep-tech credentials. Pitch Deck 2 requirements: Follow the official business model template. It should cover company and team details, the problem and solution, technical innovation, TRL, socio-economic impact, market size and competitors, business strategy, revenue model and forecasts. Use the latest templates available on the official ELEVATE portal. Missing, invalid or incorrectly formatted documents may lead to rejection. Process to Apply The application process is online through the official ELEVATE portal. Follow these steps: Open the official ELEVATE portal. Register an account by providing the requested company and applicant details. Log in using the registered account credentials. Select the ELEVATE NxT 2026–27 application call and review its eligibility conditions. Complete the application form with the required startup, founder and business information. Write the 200-word self-justification explaining why the venture qualifies as a deep-tech startup. Select the appropriate Technology Readiness Level between TRL 3 and TRL 8. Upload both pitch decks, the notarised affidavit and all other prescribed supporting documents. Check the application carefully to ensure that every field and attachment is complete and accurate. Submit the application before 5:00 PM IST on 13 November 2026, according to the published schedule provided. Save the unique ELEVATE ID generated after submission to track the application. Selection process: Applications undergo eligibility and document checks, anonymised jury assessment of deep-tech credentials, an in-person business pitch and a Grand Finale. At least one of the two assigned jury members must approve the deep-tech qualification. Startups must score at least 60 out of 100 in the first in-person pitch to progress to the Grand Finale. For final selection, the first-round score carries 40% weight and the Grand Finale score carries 60%. The combined result is subject to approval by the ELEVATE Evaluation Committee. Evaluation criteria: Research and development depth (20 marks), technical foundation and evaluation (20), commercialisation strategy and business model (20), socio-economic impact (20), founding team expertise (10), and budget allocation and grant utilisation plan (10). Important affidavit conditions: The affidavit must disclose the ownership structure and prior government assistance, confirm acceptance of the scheme guidelines, and include the required authorisation resolution. Any additional government funding received while the grant is being processed or used must be reported to KITS in writing within 15 days. Material changes in ownership, directorship or control must also be reported. False or misleading declarations may result in cancellation and recovery of the grant. Important Links and Contact Karnataka ELEVATE official portal ELEVATE application registration ELEVATE portal login Startup affidavit template CA revenue certificate template CA shareholding pattern template ELEVATE pitch masterclass guidelines Technology Readiness Level reference guide Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Karnataka Startup Karnataka helpline: 080-22231007 Email: startupcell@karnataka.gov.in Application mode: Online only through the official ELEVATE portal. Application period: 13 October 2026, 9:00 AM IST to 13 November 2026, 5:00 PM IST, as stated in the supplied scheme details. Check the official portal for any revised deadlines or notices. FAQs Q1. What is the Karnataka ELEVATE NxT Scheme?It is a Karnataka Government grant programme that supports eligible deep-tech startups through equity-free funding and additional innovation support. Q2. What is the maximum grant under ELEVATE NxT?Selected startups may receive a one-time grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 crore, subject to approval and the scheme's conditions. Q3. Is the grant equity-free?Yes. The grant does not require the government to take an ownership share in the startup. Q4. Can startups registered outside Karnataka apply?Yes. The call accepts eligible startups from across India, but selected startups registered elsewhere must shift their registered office to Karnataka within four months of the result announcement. Q5. What is the required Technology Readiness Level?The startup must declare a TRL between 3 and 8, covering eligible stages from experimental proof of concept to a complete and qualified system. Q6. Which types of businesses can apply?Eligible Private Limited Companies, registered Partnership Firms, LLPs and qualifying cooperative societies may apply if they satisfy the deep-tech and other scheme requirements. Q7. What documents are required for the application?Applicants need entity registration documents, a CA-certified revenue certificate, ownership details, two prescribed pitch decks, a notarised affidavit, the authorisation resolution and Annexure A for prior government funding. Q8. How can a startup apply for ELEVATE NxT?Register on the official ELEVATE portal, complete the application, declare the TRL, upload the required documents and submit the form before the deadline. Q9. How are startups selected?The process includes eligibility screening, anonymised deep-tech evaluation, an in-person business pitch and a Grand Finale. Final selection depends on the combined scores and committee approval. Q10. What is the application deadline and where can I get help?The supplied schedule lists 13 November 2026 at 5:00 PM IST as the deadline. For assistance, visit the official ELEVATE portal, call 080-22231007 or email startupcell@karnataka.gov.in.