Karnataka launches Rs 25 crore Government First startup initiative
Karnataka’s Government First initiative will support 100 startups with Rs 25 crore, helping them pilot solutions and enter government procurement.
Karnataka has launched the Government First Initiative, a Rs 25 crore program aimed at transforming the state's startup ecosystem by turning it into the first customer for promising innovations. This three-year program, part of the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-30, will support around 100 startups with work orders of up to Rs 25 lakh each for pilot implementation and validation.
The initiative removes the necessity for startups to have prior government experience, making public-sector opportunities more accessible to younger entrepreneurs. Startups can propose their own solutions and, if successful, can potentially expand their reach across various government departments. The initiative covers sectors such as AI, digital governance, healthcare, agriculture, education, and mobility.
An oversight structure consisting of a Selection Committee, Technical Committee, and Review Committee oversees the programme's execution, ensuring the transition from pilot testing to procurement.
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