BENGALURU: Karnataka, known as a hub for innovation and business development, has registered 263 new startups across various sectors, including 85 women-led startups, since September 2023.
IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge told TNIE that the startup landscape has extended beyond the traditional powerhouses of IT and biotechnology with health tech and edtech sectors now experiencing substantial growth, with 62 startups in healthcare and 50 in edtech.
He attributed the surge in these sectors to the post-pandemic emphasis on digital learning and the growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions. He mentioned that edtech startups are focusing on developing digital learning platforms and educational tools, which are reshaping how education is delivered. Meanwhile, health tech startups are concentrating on medical technology advancements, healthcare delivery, and wellness products, addressing ongoing challenges in health management and patient care.
Kharge revealed that approximately 40 startups from Karnataka have entered global markets through the Global Innovation Alliance -- Market Access Programme (GIA-MAP). “This initiative facilitated market access for 10 startups each in the UAE, Singapore and Australia, as well as seven in Belgium, allowing these startups to connect with foreign investors, partners, and customers,” he said.
The government and the department have implemented several programmes to promote startups , he said and highlighted initiatives, including Elevate Kalyana Karnataka 2022, Amrita Startups 2022, Elevate Unnati 2022 and 2023, and Elevate 2023 Call 2, committing a Rs 60.14 crores to these ventures.
He highlighted the recent “WEscalate” programme, which aims to promote women-led startups through a dual-phase incubation and acceleration model. “In the initial incubation phase, startups receive foundational support, such as mentorship, resources and early-stage funding, to help them establish their business models and gain market insights.
The acceleration phase focuses on growth and scalability, providing advanced resources, networking opportunities, and potential funding connections to propel startups towards larger markets and sustainability,” Kharge said. The two-step model is tailored to guide women entrepreneurs from concept to expansion, he pointed out.