Karnataka aims to support 25,000 startups under new policy
The state has launched the Rs 1,000 crore LEAP programme to build innovation ecosystems beyond Bengaluru.
Karnataka is targeting the support of 25,000 startups, including 10,000 from regions outside Bengaluru, under its Karnataka Startup Policy 2025–2030, according to Moneycontrol.
The state government reported that as of September 2026, Karnataka has more than 22,000 startups. Bengaluru currently accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India's unicorns, with a combined valuation of $350 billion.
To decentralise entrepreneurship, the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP) has been launched with an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore over five years. The programme aims to build ecosystems through incubators, accelerators, and deep-tech initiatives, with the potential to generate nearly five lakh jobs.
The Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology (IT & Bt) is managing the expansion through a lifecycle-based approach. This includes the flagship ELEVATE programme, which has supported 1,250 startups since 2017 with grant commitments of Rs 293 crore.
The state has also committed more than Rs 300 crore towards Centres of Excellence in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductors. These centres aim to skill more than 40,000 individuals and support over 100 startups.
Additional initiatives include the Government First programme, backed by Rs 25 crore to help nearly 100 startups pilot solutions in government departments, and the ELEVATE NxT 2026, which will provide Rs 30 crore in seed funding to 33 startups.