The applications spanned frontier sectors such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum technologies, space tech, health tech, clean tech, mobility, and others.
As many as 256 finalists emerged from ELEVATE NxT 2026, a flagship deep-tech startup support programme under the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP) organised by the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka.
Of the 983 startup applications received from across the country, 661 were shortlisted for in-person pitches, of which 256 finalists presented at the grand finale. The shortlisting and final pitching process was completed in about two months. The winners are yet to be announced.
The applications spanned frontier sectors such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum technologies, space tech, health tech, clean tech, mobility, and others.
ELEVATE NxT 2026 offered grant-in-aid support of up to ₹1 crore per startup, along with milestone-based funding, domain-specific mentorship, and structured ecosystem support to help startups translate breakthrough innovations into scalable, globally competitive solutions.
In a post on X, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, said: “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.”
source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)