From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 4: Continuing its support for the Information Technology and Bio-Technology sectors, the State Government is taking a big step forward with a first of its kind initiative in India.

Under the initiative, the Siddaramaiah Government has launched the ELEVATE 100 program which aims to identify 100 of the most innovative start-ups in Karnataka to elevate to them to next level of success.

The official website and logo for its flagship initiative, ELEVATE 2017 (www.elevate.bengaluruite.biz) will be unveiled by State IT, BT Minister Priyank Kharge.

ELEVATE is the brainchild of the Start-up Cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS),

It will enable start-ups across Karnataka to succeed in their tough entrepreneurial journey by providing them with access to mentors, networking opportunities besides access to Rs 400 crore funds, idea validation, incubation facilities and in depth sessions for start-ups on accounting, legal and emerging technologies.

Open House Sessions in Mangaluru, other cities

For the first time, the State Government will be holding open houses to identify start-ups in Mangaluru, Kalaburgi, Mysuru and Hubballi.

Start-ups from these cities will get an opportunity to pitch their ideas to the ELEVATE team.

Registrations for ELEVATE begin on July 4 and will be on till July 18 for all participants from across Karnataka.

Commenting on ELEVATE 2017, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said: “The Government is happy to be inaugurating this program today. It is one of the highlights of the work that we are doing to boost trade and business in Karnataka."

"This great initiative is aimed to help entrepreneurs and startups grow successfully on their own. We aim to extend our holistic support to them by offering mentorship and funding," he said.

The Chief Minister said Benglauru has the most suitable environment for start-ups with innovative ideas and is considered one of the ‘most dynamic cities in the world’. "We will ultimately look for great ideas that use technology to solve bigger problems in our society," he added.

Karnataka’s IT, BT Minister Priyank Kharge, said: “The promise of making Karnataka the global hub for startups and a hotbed for innovation will continue."

He said the State Government has so far identified 46 start-ups and sanctioned Rs 15.68 crore in the field of biotechnology (26 start-ups, Rs 10.70 crore), tourism (8 start-ups, Rs 1.80 crore) and IT (12 start-ups, Rs 3.18 crore).

Through ELEVATE, he said potential start-ups will be identified. "We will not only help in funding but not all startups need funding. So, we will also provide technical and business support based on their need," Kharge said.

ELEVATE was launched by the Government of Karnataka in partnership with the Deshpande Foundation, The Indus Entrepreneurs and others to empower startups to scale operations.

It aims to eventually identify and support as many start-ups from smaller cities and towns.

ELEVATE will identify innovative companies in the state from various fields and industries, including IT, Electronic System Design Manufacturing, Animation Visual Gaming and Comics, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Life Sciences.