The new ELEVATE track aims to strengthen innovation in emerging startup hubs across the state.
The efforts of the Karnataka state government to decentralise its startup ecosystem are receiving positive responses from entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders, following the announcement of a dedicated ELEVATE track for startups based outside Bengaluru. The initiative is being viewed as a significant step toward expanding innovation opportunities across the state and reducing the concentration of startup activity in the capital city.
A growing number of founders from cities such as Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and Tumakuru have argued that startups outside the capital often face challenges in accessing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Dedicated support for emerging startup bubs outside the Bengaluru region.
The newly announced track under Karnataka’s flagship ELEVATE programme is designed to support startups operating beyond Bengaluru specifically. Industry participants believe the move acknowledges the growing entrepreneurial activity emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities across the state. Over the past decade, ELEVATE has become one of Karnataka’s most prominent startup support programmes, providing grant assistance to early-stage ventures. According to state government data, the initiative has supported more than 1,250 startups with grants exceeding ₹292 crore, while recent editions have introduced specialised categories to improve inclusivity and regional participation. Experts note that innovation is no longer limited to major metropolitan centres. Improved digital infrastructure, remote work opportunities, expanding educational institutions, and local incubation centres have enabled entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses from smaller cities.
Despite this progress, access to capital remains uneven. Recent industry reports indicate that startups based outside major hubs continue to attract only a small share of overall venture funding, even as the number of companies emerging from these regions grows. The new ELEVATE track is expected to address some of these gaps by offering targeted support and creating greater visibility for founders operating outside Bengaluru.
Karnataka’s broader ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ vision.
The initiative aligns with Karnataka’s broader strategy of promoting balanced economic development across the state. The government’s Startup Policy 2025-2030 aims to support 25,000 startups over five years, including a target of establishing 10,000 ventures outside Bengaluru. The policy also focuses on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, deep tech, and quantum computing, while strengthening innovation ecosystems in regional cities. Alongside startup-focused initiatives, Karnataka has also introduced policies to expand technology investments and IT growth beyond Bengaluru, further reinforcing its commitment to regional development.
The growing support for a dedicated “Beyond Bengaluru” track reflects a broader shift in India’s startup landscape. As entrepreneurial activity spreads across smaller cities, policymakers and industry leaders are increasingly recognising the need for region-specific support mechanisms. For Karnataka, the success of this initiative could play an important role in building a more inclusive and geographically diverse innovation ecosystem, ensuring that promising startups can access opportunities regardless of where they are founded.