Objective :

To establish a transparent, accountable, and standardized process for identifying and supporting DeepTech startups 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.

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)
2. Be headquartered in Karnataka and maintain at least one active functional office in the state (excluding technical support functions).
3. Have a turnover not exceeding INR 100 Crores in any financial year since incorporation.
4. Be within 10 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:
   • a. Use of advanced technologies including but not limited to AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Robotics, 3D Printing, Drones, etc.
   • b. A novel-to-market solution rooted in core science or engineering fundamentals
   • c. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 3 and 8, with supporting evidence such as proof of concept, prototype, or scientific validation
   • e. Intellectual property potential through patents, proprietary algorithms, or deep IP filings
   • f. Complexity sufficient to redefine or create new markets
   • g.Integration of multiple technologies to solve complex problems

Priority sectors under Elevate DeepTech 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):

Qualification Process : 

1. DeepTech Evaluation

                      a. Each startup will first be assessed on whether it qualifies as a DeepTech startup.

                      b. This evaluation will be conducted by a two member jury panel comprising domain experts.

                      c. If either jury member determines that the startup does not meet the DeepTech criteria, the startup will                            be  disqualified and will not proceed to the next stage.

2. Round 1 – In Person Pitching

                      a. Qualified startups will move forward to Round 1, which consists of in person pitching before the jury.

                      b. A minimum cut off score of 60 marks is required to advance to the Grand Finale.

3. Round 2 – Grand Finale

                     a. Startups that clear Round 1 will participate in the Grand Finale pitching round.

                     b. The final score for each startup will be calculated as a weighted average:
                                       i. 40% from Round 1 (in person pitching)
                                       ii. 60% from Round 2 (Grand Finale pitching)

4. Winner Selection

                    Based on the final score, the jury will determine the startups that make it to the winner’s list.

Mandatory Documents  : 

1. Pitch Deck (To be uploaded in the format provided. Startups will be requested to go through the instructions given on the first page of the pitch deck thoroughly)
2. Affidavit (To be uploaded)
3. Patent filing certificate/ patent grant certificate (if applicable)
4. CA certified revenue certificate FY 24-25
5. Incorporation certificate
6. MOA (OPC/Pvt Ltd)
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

PitchDeck and Affidavit Template  : 

The pitch deck and Affidavit must be uploaded in the prescribed format. Applicants are advised to carefully review the instructions provided on the first page of the pitch deck template and ensure that the Affidavit is printed on a 200 rupees stamp paper.