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Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
Government

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Government of Karnataka body driving IT/ITeS and digital economy growth beyond Bengaluru, running district-level startup challenges via KDEM Beyond Bengaluru.

2Programs
Official website

KDEM at a glance

Full nameKarnataka Digital Economy Mission
AddressBengaluru, Karnataka, India
Programmes3 standing programmes · 1 open call right now
Official websitekarnatakadigital.in

Programs by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

1 open now · 1 past · Filter all programs

Open now

KAN Accelerator 2026 KDEM Cohort 3

under Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN)
by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
Varies
Past programs

Kalaburagi Rotti Global Challenge 2026

by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
Up to ₹3L

Schemes implemented by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

1 scheme — each groups the funding calls run under it.

Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN)

Government of Karnataka 6-month accelerator, implemented by KDEM, delivered through a statewide partner network with a Beyond Bengaluru focus.

2 funding calls

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Programmes they run

Standing programmes at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), separate from the funding calls above.

Talent Accelerator

Programme

Aims to bridge the supply and demand gap of skilled talent across emerging IT hubs in Karnataka through competency building in future skills.

What you get, who can apply and how to apply

Talent Accelerator aims to bridge the supply and demand gap of skilled talent across emerging IT hubs in Karnataka through its strategic interventions such as competency building for fresh graduates and existing workforce in future skills through industry-academic collaboration. It focuses on providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity, to meet the rising demands of industries in a rapidly changing global economy.

Official programme page

Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN)

Accelerator

A six-month acceleration program designed to boost the acceleration ecosystem in the state, offering comprehensive support to growth stage startups.

What you get, who can apply and how to apply

The six-month acceleration program offers growth stage startups comprehensive support through a series of modules, including cohort readiness, business strategy revisits, market validation, customer acquisition, and investment readiness. Additionally, startups will receive mentorship, access to infrastructure and market linkages. The program culminates in a demo day where startups showcase their progress and innovation to investors.

Official programme page

Fellowship Programme

Fellowship

A fellowship program for Indian students (UG/PG, under 28) interested in various verticals like Start-up and Innovation, ESDM, IT/ITEs and GCC, Talent Accelerator, Beyond Bengaluru.

What you get, who can apply and how to apply

Eligibility criteria includes being an Indian, currently pursuing any Under-Graduate or Post-Graduate Degree, and being under 28 years of age. Applicants select a vertical (Start-up and Innovation, ESDM, IT/ITEs and GCC, Talent Accelerator, Beyond Bengaluru) and a sector (Healthtech, Medtech, Aerospace, Foodtech, Agritech, Fintech, AI & Robotics, Cybersecurity, Semicon, Startup Research, Whitepapers) for their fellowship.

Official programme page

Incubation tracks

The routes into Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and what each one includes.

TrackTypeSpaceIncludes
Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN)Acceleration—cohort readiness, business strategy revisits, market validation, customer acquisition, investment readiness, mentorship, access to infrastructure, market linkages

Labs & facilities

Equipment and space on campus.

Premium workspaces

Access via KAN partner network

Support services

Help offered alongside funding and space.

Business advisoryIP & patents

Recognitions & empanelments

Official approvals this incubator holds.

Government of Karnataka Initiative

News

  • KDEM’s K-Combinator, an industry-led startup acceleration programme launched in Mangaluruthehindu.com · last month

Source: Google News aggregated

About Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is a Government of Karnataka initiative aimed at accelerating the state's digital economy by supporting technology startups, fostering innovation, and attracting global tech investments. KDEM works to position Karnataka as a leading global digital economy hub.

Programs & Initiatives

KDEM runs and supports multiple startup-focused programs including:

  • Scale-Up Program — Helping growth-stage tech startups scale rapidly with market access, mentoring, and investor connections
  • Digital Karnataka — Infrastructure and policy support for tech startups
  • ELEVATE — Karnataka's flagship startup grant program providing non-equity seed funding
  • Partnerships with global tech companies and accelerators

What Startups Receive

  • Non-dilutive seed grants through ELEVATE (up to ₹50 lakhs)
  • Market access support and buyer connections
  • Policy advocacy and regulatory facilitation
  • Introductions to VCs and angel investors
  • Soft landing support for global expansion
  • Access to Karnataka's deep tech talent pool

Eligibility

Open to technology startups based in or willing to operate from Karnataka. Priority given to startups with scalable, technology-driven business models.

Track Record

Karnataka is home to India's largest startup ecosystem outside of national rankings, with Bengaluru being recognized as a top-5 global startup hub. KDEM has supported hundreds of startups through ELEVATE and other schemes.

Who Should Apply

Growth-stage tech startups looking for government support, grant funding, and a platform to scale within Karnataka's thriving digital economy.

Who they work with

Stage

Sectors

Tags

Frequently asked questions about Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

What is the full form of KDEM?

KDEM stands for Karnataka Digital Economy Mission.

What does Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) do?

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is a Government of Karnataka initiative aimed at accelerating the state's digital economy by supporting technology startups, fostering innovation, and attracting global tech investments. KDEM works to position Karnataka as a leading global digital economy hub.

Where is Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) located?

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

What programs does Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) run?

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) currently has 1 open programme: KAN Accelerator 2026 KDEM Cohort 3. 1 further programme has run in the past.

What sectors does Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) support?

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) works with startups in IT, AI, Deeptech, Fintech and SaaS.

What stage of startup does Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) support?

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) supports startups at the Validation, Early Revenue and Growth stages.

What facilities does Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) offer?

Incubatees also get access to Premium workspaces through its host institution.

Is Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) government recognised?

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) holds the following recognitions and affiliations: Government of Karnataka Initiative.

How do I apply to Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)?

Applications run through each programme's own call. Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) lists 1 open programme — check the programme page for its deadline and eligibility, or apply via https://karnatakadigital.in.