Karnataka announces Rs 600 Cr plan to build DeepTech; explores co-investment model with VCs

Karnataka government on November 3 announced its ambitious 'DeepTech Decade' plan, committing over Rs 600 crore to support entrepreneurs working on technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, robotics and sustainability-driven innovation.

This is a strategic step to position the state as the DeepTech capital of India.

“Our blueprint is ready, and we are serious about being global players in the technology landscape,” IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge said.

. @ITBTGoK announced Karnataka's Deep Tech Decade: ₹600 crore committed, with plans to scale to ₹1,000 crore through partnerships with leading VCs.

This isn't just funding. It's a blueprint for making Karnataka the DeepTech Capital of India. AI, Quantum computing, Advanced… pic.twitter.com/0wvE6cPlna

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) November 4, 2025

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The detailed Rs 600 crore investment

The Rs 600 crore investment in the sector includes Rs 150 crore for DeepTech Elevate Fund, with a special focus on AI and frontier technologies.

Under the Elevate Beyond Bengaluru Fund, Rs 80 crore will be financed to promote startups in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Kalaburagi.

Another Rs 75 crore through the Karnataka Information Technology Venture Capital Fund (KITVEN) will be funded for equity-based investments, with funding between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 2 crore for deeptech and AI startups.

The government will also support new incubators and accelerators at IIT and IIIT Dharwad and Kalaburagi, setting aside Rs 48 crore for them.

To help seed-level innovation across 11 institutions earlier cleared by the state cabinet, Minister Kharge said Rs 110 crore will be allotted to those institutions.

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