Separate ELEVATE track for Beyond Bengaluru startups welcomed

Why in news

The Karnataka government decided to introduce a separate ELEVATE track for startups outside the Bengaluru region to ensure fair competition for tier 2 and tier 3 startups.

Background

The ELEVATE scheme previously provided grants to startups across all regions of Karnataka. The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is the body overseeing the initiative, with a specific cluster in Mysuru.

Facts for Prelims

• SchemeELEVATE: A Karnataka state government scheme providing grants to startups.
• BodyKDEM: Karnataka Digital Economy Mission is the body managing the startup ecosystem in the state.
• FactThe new track specifically targets startups in regions outside of Bengaluru.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how regional-specific startup tracks can decentralize economic growth and address the urban-rural divide in India's technology ecosystem.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Geographic equity: Mitigating the 'Bengaluru-centric' startup concentration to foster regional innovation hubs
• Resource allocation: Balancing state-level grant distribution between established tech hubs and emerging tier 2/3 clusters

Keywords: Decentralization · Regional disparity · Startup ecosystem · Economic equity · Tier 2/3 development

More Economy notes

• In Zojila, light at the end of tunnel · 14 June 2026
• World Bank Raises India's FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.6% · 13 June 2026
• FM Sitharaman flags global crisis spillovers, unfair burden on developing nations · 13 June 2026
• Indians abroad sent home a record $110 billion. What it means for India's economy · 11 June 2026
• FACT, Chambal Fertilisers shares up to 5% as government eyes doubling fertiliser subsidy allocation · 10 June 2026
• Sebi proposes consolidated disclosure of executive pay at asset managers · 10 June 2026

All Economy current affairs →