Priyank Kharge unveils Innoverse Foundation, DeepTech Programme to boost Karnataka's innovation ecosystem

Karnataka Minister for Home, Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and e-Governance Priyank Kharge has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at strengthening the State's deep technology ecosystem, including the launch of the Innoverse Foundation, the DeepTech Enabler Programme, and financial support for 33 promising startups under the Elevate NxT 2026 programme. The announcements underscore the State Government's continued focus on accelerating innovation, supporting DeepTech entrepreneurship and positioning Karnataka as India's leading technology and startup destination.

Responding to suggestions from industry leaders, Kharge reaffirmed the Government's commitment to fostering an innovation-led economy and maintaining Karnataka's leadership as India's technology hub. "One of Karnataka's greatest strengths has been the trust and partnership we have built with industry. We believe that listening must lead to action, and every edition of this dialogue is followed by a structured roadmap with a strong focus on implementation. We remain committed to building a globally connected innovation ecosystem that drives technological leadership, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth," he said.

The biggest announcement was the launch of the Innoverse Foundation, a Government of Karnataka initiative designed to position the State as a global DeepTech capital. The Foundation will mentor revenue-generating DeepTech startups, helping them move beyond product-market fit to become globally competitive companies. It will provide access to markets, capital and expert mentorship to accelerate commercialisation and business growth.

The Government also announced the inaugural Open Call for the Innoverse Foundation's DeepTech Enabler Program, inviting startups to participate in the new initiative. The programme's campaign identity was unveiled alongside the launch.

Another major announcement was the recognition of 33 winners of the Elevate NxT 2026 (DeepTech) programme, launched earlier this year as India's first dedicated DeepTech startup support initiative. The programme received 983 applications from startups across the country. Of the selected startups, 24 are from Bengaluru, while four are based in Hoskote, Udupi, Bidar and Hubballi.

Five startups are from Delhi, Maharashtra and Telangana, and 12 of the 33 winners are women-led ventures, highlighting the increasing diversity of India's DeepTech ecosystem. Each winning startup will receive grant-in-aid ranging from Rs 85 lakh to Rs 1 crore to support research and development, product innovation and commercialisation.

The programme also unveiled a preview of Bengaluru's upcoming Museum of Innovation, Startup & Technology, which will showcase Karnataka's innovation journey while promoting entrepreneurship and technological excellence. The new initiatives reflect Karnataka's strategy of complementing policy support with dedicated institutions, funding mechanisms and industry partnerships to strengthen its position as India's leading hub for DeepTech, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and next-generation technologies.