Karnataka Launches ₹25 Crore Scheme to Adopt 100 Startups As First Customer
· Business · The Hindu, Indian Express
Karnataka has launched the 'Government First' initiative to serve as the initial customer for 100 startups over a three-year period under the state's Elevate programme. Announced by IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge in Bengaluru on Wednesday, the initiative allocates a total of ₹25 crore to help startups test and evaluate their technologies in real government environments. Eligible startups will receive financial support of up to ₹25 lakh each for pilot deployments across sectors including information technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and transportation. Of the total allocation, 95% is earmarked directly for startup grants, while the remaining 5% covers administrative expenses. The program aims to bridge the gap for early stage enterprises by enabling successful solutions to be considered for formal government procurement.
Why it matters
Early government procurement and pilot funding provide critical validation and market access for 100 early stage startups in Karnataka.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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