Karnataka to back 100 start-ups as first government customers
Karnataka’s Government First initiative will support up to 100 start-ups over three years with a ₹25 crore allocation. The programme will allow companies to develop and test solutions for government departments, with eligible start-ups receiving up to ₹25 lakh each for pilot deployment and evaluation.
Karnataka will support up to 100 start-ups over three years through a new Government First initiative designed to give young companies early opportunities in the public sector. Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge said the programme would allow start-ups to develop solutions for government departments, test their products in real public-service environments and have successful technologies considered for procurement. The initiative is being implemented under the Elevate programme and the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025–30.
The State government has approved a total allocation of ₹25 crore for the scheme. Kharge said the objective was to create early markets for companies developing new technologies and innovative services. Rather than acting only as a buyer, the government would become an early customer and partner in testing solutions, according to a release issued by the minister.
The programme will cover information technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics, consultancy, design and transportation systems. Start-ups may respond to problems identified by government departments or propose solutions proactively. Eligible companies will receive up to ₹25 lakh each for pilot deployment and evaluation.
Of the total allocation, ₹23.75 crore, or 95 per cent, has been set aside for start-up support, while ₹1.25 crore, or 5 per cent, is intended for administrative expenses. The initiative’s stated purpose is to help the government assess new products in actual operating conditions before considering procurement. The material does not specify the application process, selection criteria, participating departments or the timetable for the first pilots.
Kharge said the scheme was intended to connect innovation with government requirements. Its implementation forms part of Karnataka’s broader start-up policy framework, but the source provides no information about previous results from comparable programmes.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.