Objective :

To establish a transparent, accountable, and standardized process for identifying and supporting Deeptech startups across the country through grant-in-aid funding under the LEAP program, in alignment with Karnataka’s strategic vision for innovation-led industrial transformation.

This program specifically targets startups that leverage advanced technologies to develop novel-to-market solutions for complex and unresolved challenges, or that invent new technologies rooted in core scientific and engineering fundamentals. Eligible Deeptech innovations typically involve:

1. Use of advanced technologies including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Big Data & Analytics, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Robotics, 3D Printing, and Drones.
2. High technical complexity with the potential to redefine existing industries or create entirely new markets.
3. Integration of multiple technologies to solve problems at the intersection of domains.
4. A foundation in new scientific discoveries, complex engineering processes, or proprietary technology development.

Startups applying for the program will undergo rigorous rounds of evaluation, with milestone  based funding and mentorship provided to support their growth. Selected startup will be eligible for up to ₹1 crore in grant – in – aid support.

Through this framework, the Department of Electronics, IT & BT seeks to accelerate the growth of Deeptech ventures that demonstrate disruptive potential, societal relevance, and global competitiveness.

Eligibility Criteria : 

To qualify for the Elevate DeepTech track, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

1. Be incorporated as:
   a. Private Limited Company (Companies Act, 2013)
   b. Registered Partnership Firm (Partnership Act, 1932)
   c. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP Act, 2008)
   d. Multi-State Cooperative Society registered with the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002) or a Cooperative Society registered under any State or Union Territory Cooperative Societies Act with the respective Registrar of Cooperative Societies in India
2. Startups applying to the DeepTech ELEVATE – NxT program can be based anywhere across India.
3. Have a turnover not exceeding INR 300 Crores in any financial year since incorporation.
4. Be within 20 years from the date of incorporation at the time of application.
5. Be an independent entity and not a subsidiary, spin-off, or internal division of an existing company.
6. Have a minimum team size of two individuals.
7. Should not have been a beneficiary under ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid scheme in the last 3 years during the time of application.
8. Be addressing a real-world problem in industry, society, or the environment, or creating a new market opportunity.
9. Demonstrate DeepTech characteristics as defined by national frameworks, including:
   • Use of advanced technologies such as AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Robotics, 3D Printing, Drones, etc.
   • A novel-to-market solution rooted in core science or engineering fundamentals
   • Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 8, with supporting evidence such as proof of concept, prototype, or scientific validation
   • Intellectual property potential through patents, proprietary algorithms, or deep IP filings
   • Complexity sufficient to redefine or create new markets
   • Integration of multiple technologies to solve complex problems

Priority sectors under Elevate NxT include (but are not limited to):

1. 1. Quantum Technologies
   2. Energy & Climate
   3. Mobility & Logistics
   4. Generative AI
   5. Cybersecurity and secure systems
   6. Fintech
   7. Space & Satellite
   8. Aerospace and Defence
   9. AgriTech & FoodTech
   10. Health/Bio/Lifesciences
   11. Nanotechnology
   12. Semiconductors & Microelectronics
   13. Industrial Automation
   14. Advanced materials and Manufacturing
   15. Robotics
   16. Others (SPECIFY):

 

Additional Criteria for Startup registered outside Karnataka

Startups which are registered outside Karnataka and has been declared winner, must change their Registered Office of Company (RoC) to Karnataka within 4 months from the date of result announcement. In case of noncompliance the application shall be treated as rejected.

Application Process : 

Each applicant must submit an online application form through the Department’s portal, which shall entail

• Enter required details as per the online application form
• Self-justification as Deeptech (200-word statement):Justify how does your startup qualify as a Deeptech startup
• Select TRL level (Options to select from):
  1. TRL 1: Basic principles observed
  2. TRL 2: Technology concept formulated
  3. TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept
  4. TRL 4: Technology validated in lab
  5. TRL 5: Technology validated in relevant environment
  6. TRL 6:Technology demonstrated in relevant environment
  7. TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in operational environment
  8. TRL 8: System complete and qualified
  9. TRL 9: Actual system proven in operational environment

Note: Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. Each technology project is evaluated against the parameters for each technology level and is then assigned a TRL rating based on the projects progress. There are nine technology readiness levels. TRL 1 is the lowest and TRL 9 is the highest.

Source: https://yukti.mic.gov.in/assets/assetsYukti/img/Developement-Stages-TRL-MRL-IRL.pdf

–> Upload pitch deck

1. Pitch deck 1 (Qualification)- Startups to follow the template provided on the portal

• Guidelines for Startups to Follow while uploading Pitch Deck 1:
  • Do not include company name, logo, founder’s name, address of the company or any such information about the company in this deck.
  • Understand the definition of Deeptech as provided in the next slide.
  • Present the requested justification of why you should be considered as a Deeptech startup based on the same
  • Please include your justification within 2 slides. Exceeding it will lead to disqualification
  • Use clear, concise language — avoid jargon unless explained
  • Follow the prescribed slide order — don’t rearrange or skip required sections
  • Do not deviate from the template provided
  • Ensure all data is accurate and verifiable — false claims will disqualify the application
  • Incase visuals, charts, and graphics are used, please use them effectively, keep them relevant and easy to read
  • Maintain consistent formatting and design
  • Highlight innovation and differentiation clearly — show what sets your startup apart
  • Submit the deck in the required format (PDF/PPT) — no other formats will be accepted

 

2.  Pitch deck 2 (Business Model)- Startups to follow the template provided on the portal

 

Evaluation Process :

1) Data sufficiency:

• a. Applicant has less than INR 300 crores revenue
• b. Date of application is within 20 years of incorporation
• c. Applicant claims it is a Deeptech startup

If any of the above is not valid; the application shall be rejected

2) Data Masking and Jury allocation

• a. All startups will be given a unique id for data anonymization.
• b. Jury members are finalized based on domain expertise and sign confidentiality and conflict-of-interest declarations.
• c. Each startup is assigned to two jury members, ensuring domain relevance and load balancing.
• d. No jury member evaluates the same startup in multiple roles.
• e. Jury members receive masked profiles and assess each startup to evaluate whether they qualify as a Deeptech startup or not post data sufficiency

 

3) Level 1 Jury Evaluation

Evaluation Round 1

1. In the first round, Pitch deck 1 (Qualification)—containing the startup’s justification for being classified as DeepTech along with its declared Technology Readiness Level (TRL)—will be reviewed by a two member jury panel.
2. For a startup to qualify, atleast one jury member must agree that it meets the criteria of a DeepTech startup.
3.  If both jury members do not concur, the startup will be disqualified at this stage and will be informed. The jury member’s decision shall be deemed final.
4. Startups that successfully clear this evaluation round will be invited to participate in the in person pitching session, where their business model and innovation will be assessed in greater detail.

4) Level 2 Jury Evaluation

In Person Pitching Round 1

1. Startups that qualify from the initial screening will advance to Round 1, which consists of presenting their business model pitch deck in person before the jury panel.
2. Each startup will be evaluated on predefined criteria, and a minimum cut off score of 60 marks is required to progress to the Grand Finale.

In Person Pitching Round 2: Grand Finale

1. Startups that clear Round 1 will move forward to the Grand Finale pitching round.
2. The final score for each startup will be calculated as a weighted average, with 40% weightage from Round 1 (in person pitching) and 60% weightage from Round 2 (Grand Finale pitching).

Winner Selection

1. Based on the consolidated final scores, the jury will determine the startups that will be included in the winner’s list.
2. These winners will be recognized as the most promising ventures under the program, having demonstrated both innovation and scalability.

Mandatory Documents :

1. Pitch Deck: Startups are required to upload two pitch decks in the prescribed formats: one for qualification and the other showcasing their business model. Startups are requested to go through the instructions given on the first page of the pitch deck thoroughly.
2. Affidavit: Startup Affidavit signed by Promoters and notarized on INR 100 (Rupees One Hundred Only) e-stamp paper (First party: Your Startup Name; Second Party: KARNATAKA INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY) (PDF format, file size < 1 MB).
3. Patent filing certificate/ patent grant certificate (if applicable)
4. CA certified revenue certificate FY 24-25
5. Incorporation certificate
6. MOA (Memorandum of Association)
7. Partnership Deed certificate (LLP/Partnership firm)
8. Affidavit stating that the applicant has not been a beneficiary under ELEVATE Grant-in-Aid scheme in the last 3 years during the time of application

 

Mode of Submission : 

1. Submit the application via official website only.
2. Only one application per startup is permitted
3. Pitch Deck (Attached)