Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-2030 announced

Karnataka State Cabinet has approved the new Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-2030. This policy aims to establish up to 25,000 startups, including 10,000 outside Bengaluru, over the next five years. A budget of Rs 518.27 crore has been approved for the implementation of the policy.

It adopts a comprehensive approach to strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem through targeted interventions in key areas, such as funding, incubation, infrastructure, mentorship, acceleration, R&D and industry collaboration.

Priyank Kharge, IT/BT Minister, noted that Karnataka already stands as the unrivalled leader in India’s startup landscape, playing a pivotal role in positioning the country as a global innovation and entrepreneurial hub. “This strategic initiative will further empower impact-driven business models, boost social entrepreneurship and promote inclusive growth in the state,” he said.

Karnataka currently hosts over 18,000 startups, accounting to 15% of all recognised startups in India. As per the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, Karnataka is emerging as a national leader in DeepTech, AI and quantum technologies.

“Karnataka’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, driven by sustained government efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives. Aligning with this, the new policy aims to make the state a national leader or a champion in the startup domain,’’ the proposal stated. 

Among the initiatives is ‘Elevate NxT’, which aims to support startups across the state focusing on DeepTech in sectors such as AI, Biotechnology, Quantum Computing, Climate tech, Space tech and others.

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), said: “The Karnataka Start-Up Policy 2025–2030 significantly strengthens KDEM’s mandate to accelerate entrepreneurial growth across the state. Its swift rollout reflects decisive government leadership and reinforces industry confidence in Karnataka’s innovation agenda. 

"Early successes are evident, with Mangaluru, as India’s first Startup District and Silicon Beach, rapidly emerging as a hub for gaming and AI with significant GCC investments. In Chamarajanagar, targeted interventions have created over 450 IT/ITES jobs with 70% women participation, demonstrating the promise of the Beyond Bengaluru model. 

"Backed by initiatives like KAN and Elevate, the state’s ₹600 crore DeepTech fund, and global partnerships across 30 countries, this policy positions Karnataka as a globally competitive and inclusive startup ecosystem.”

Ashok Chandak, President SEMI India and IESA spoke on Karnataka Startup Policy 2025–2030. He said: "In continuation of our recent meeting with IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge, we are pleased to note that the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025–2030, with an outlay of Rs 518 crore, and a vision to create 25,000 new startups, has been approved by the State Cabinet. 

"This marks a forward-looking step in strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem. IESA welcomes this progressive initiative and will be happy to provide necessary inputs and support to ensure that the policy effectively empowers startups in the electronics and semiconductor technology sectors."