Karnataka opens first call under Government First initiative for local startups

The Karnataka government has officially opened its inaugural call for applications under the Government First initiative, inviting early-stage enterprises to deploy deployment-ready technology solutions within state departments. Eligible applicants can secure direct work orders valued up to ₹25 lakh to pilot, test, and validate their innovations in real-world public administrative environments.

The scheme intends to bridge the gap between young technology firms and public procurement by establishing the state as an early customer. For Indian technology startups attempting to build institutional credibility, securing a government department as an initial client frequently serves as a critical milestone for wider market adoption and scaling.

Rolled out under the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-30 through the flagship Elevate programme, the overarching project carries a total financial allocation of ₹25 crore. State officials structured the fund to support approximately 100 startups across a three-year implementation window. Out of the total outlay, 95 percent amounting to ₹23.75 crore is dedicated entirely to direct financial support for pilot deployments, while the remaining 5 percent covers administrative expenses.

The initial application call concentrates heavily on resolving public service delivery bottlenecks and optimizing urban water management systems. Participating startups are expected to propose artificial intelligence tools and automated solutions designed to streamline citizen grievance redressal and curb municipal water wastage.

Implementation of the framework is overseen by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society operating under the Department of Electronics, IT and BT. To qualify for the grants, candidate enterprises must hold valid state registrations, maintain operational histories under ten years, and meet specific technology readiness benchmarks. Additionally, applicants must clear credible funding criteria or enter through recognized state-sponsored channels.

Startups may enter the initiative through multiple pathways, including responding to specific problem statements published by government departments or independently pitching products tailored to public utility requirements. Selection panels comprising domain experts and bureaucrats evaluate submissions based on technical feasibility, scalability, and integration potential.

Applications for the current round close on October 23, 2026. Successful pilots that meet performance targets during the trial phase will be positioned for direct procurement and broader departmental deployment.