The Karnataka government has launched the ‘Elevate 100’ scheme to identify and nurture innovative start-ups.

“The aim is to identify 100 most innovative start-ups in the state to elevate them to the next level of success,” said Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT and BT.

“Through Elevate, we will not only help in funding as not all startups need funding. So we will provide technical and business support based on their need,” he added.

“Till date, we have identified 46 start-ups and sanctioned ₹15.68 crore in the field of biotech (26 start-ups, ₹10.70 crore), tourism (8 start-ups, ₹1.80 crore) and IT (12 start-ups, ₹3.18 crore).

The Elevate scheme is the brainchild of the start-up cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), to help start-ups across the state succeed by providing them with access to mentors, networking opportunities, idea validation, incubation facilities, and indepth sessions for start-ups on accounting, legal and emerging technologies.

The website and logo for Elevate 2017 (www.elevate.bengaluruite.biz) was also unveiled by the minister.

Open houses

For the first time, the state government will hold open houses to identify start-ups in Mangaluru, Kalaburgi, Mysuru and Hubli. Start-ups from these cities will get an opportunity to pitch their ideas to the Elevate team. Registrations will begin on July 4 and continue till July 18.

Commenting on the new initaitve, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “The this programme is likely to give a boost to trade and business in the state.”

“We aim to extend holistic support to startups by offering mentorship and funding. Benglauru has the most suitable environment for start-ups with innovative ideas and is considered one of the most dynamic cities in the world. We will ultimately look for great ideas that use technology to solve bigger problems in our society,” he added.

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