Best start-up ideas will continue to get government support, says Priyank Kharge

Bengaluru: State government on Wednesday announced the finalists of India's first comprehensive entrepreneurship platform ELEVATE 100. In his address IT, BT and Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge said, “The efforts of Karnataka government doesn’t stop at elevating the chosen 100. We see ELEVATE 100 as a continuing process where the best ideas from the state gets the support and guidance it deserves.”

ELEVATE 100 roadshow has traversed the length and breadth of the state in a rigorous hunt to pick the 100 most innovative start ups and help them turn their ideas into successful businesses. The short listed startups will have access to state government’s Rs 400 crore start-up fund, besides access to Government VC funds, pilots, private VC funds, world class accelerators and mentors.

A combined initiative of the start-up cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), 1,700 applicants from across the state went through four rounds of selection to book a spot in the final 100 in the 2-month process. The initiative also attracted 350 women entrepreneurs and 400 applicants from the rural areas.

“We are here to listen and learn from the stakeholders and facilitate the process. This has not been done by any government in the country so far. This is first of its kind outreach program spread across the state,” Mr Kharge said.

The start ups that have made it to the final 100 are across sectors that include Aerospace, AVGC, Medtech, IoT and ESDM and Agritech.