Stories
Karnataka invites startups to solve governance challenges with AI grants up to Rs 25 lakh
M
Moneycontrol•08-10-2026, 17:37
Karnataka invites startups to solve governance challenges with AI grants up to Rs 25 lakh
- •Karnataka launched the first call under its Government First initiative to invite startups to solve real-world government challenges.
- •The first call focuses on citizen-centric governance through Praja Seva and urban water management through BWSSB.
- •Selected startups will receive work orders of up to Rs 25 lakh to pilot and implement their solutions in government environments.
- •The Rs 25 crore initiative aims to support around 100 startups over three years under the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-30.
- •Interested startups can submit their applications until 5 PM on October 23, 2026.
Key Questions Answered
The Government First initiative has a total outlay of Rs 25 crore and aims to support around 100 startups over three years by inviting them to solve real-world government challenges.
Selected startups get the opportunity to demonstrate their solutions in government environments and can receive work orders of up to Rs 25 lakh to help take their products toward implementation.
The first call focuses on citizen-centric governance through Praja Seva—such as AI-enabled grievance management and unified call centres—and urban water management through the BWSSB, including reducing non-revenue water and intelligent asset management.
