• Karnataka commits Rs 600 Crore to boost DeepTech and AI startups
• State plans Rs 1,000 Crore DeepTech fund with VC partners
• Focus on AI, quantum, robotics, and tier-2/3 startup growth

Karnataka has announced Rs 600 crore investment to fuel what it calls the ‘Deep Tech Decade’, aiming to cement its position as India’s top hub for DeepTech and AI innovation. The announcement was made by IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge ahead of the 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2025). The initiative includes support for startups in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability-driven technologies.

The funding will be distributed across multiple programs to strengthen the startup ecosystem. About Rs 150 crore is earmarked for the DeepTech Elevate Fund to support cutting-edge AI and emerging tech startups. Another Rs 80 crore is assigned to the Elevate Beyond Bengaluru Fund, which will help startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi.

Additionally, Rs 75 crore will go toward equity support through the KITVIN Fund, offering ticket sizes between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 2 crore to startups in DeepTech and AI. The government has also set aside Rs 48 crore to develop new incubators and accelerators at IIT and IIIT campuses in Dharwad and Kalaburagi, while Rs 110 crore will support business incubators in universities across the state.

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Minister Priyank Kharge, said, “We’re building a future-ready pipeline of entrepreneurs working on breakthrough technologies”. She added, “Our ambition is to make Karnataka a global DeepTech powerhouse”.

As part of its long-term strategy, Karnataka is in discussions with top venture capital firms to create Rs 1,000 crore joint DeepTech and AI fund. The model will blend public and private investments to scale innovation across the ecosystem.