The government of Karnataka announced the launch of its ambitious scheme Unnati, aimed at promoting technology startups steered by SC/ST entrepreneurs, along with startups that are developing products or solutions with a focus on rural areas for social impact.
The scheme was announced by Karnataka’s Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge, at an event conducted by digital media startup YourStory.
The state government is looking to encourage entrepreneurs to focus on real-world problems by leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.
Under the Unnati scheme, the government has earmarked ₹20 crores, but it can go up to ₹100 crores, depending on the response. The state government will invest up to ₹50 lakhs in these startups.
The startups that are eligible for the funding need to either have an SC/ST entrepreneur with a hands-on role in management, with a good idea for the startup, regardless of the sector or a startup run by any member of any community, solving a real-world problem in areas like health, education, sanitation, waste segregation, and mechanised scavenging in rural areas.
Apart from providing funding for the startups, the state government will also assist in pilot tests in rural areas, providing mentorship from the Social Welfare Department, along with industry experts.
The state government is looking to drive social change in a sustainable way and generate jobs, through its new initiative.
Kharge said, “The government of Karnataka has established centres of excellence for data science, animation and gaming, IoT, AI, machine learning, robotics, and others. We want to create a knowledge-based society. We are also heavily focussed on skilling in emerging technologies so that we have a skilled workforce ready for various technologies.”
The scheme is open for all the startups based in Karnataka, that are under four years old and have half of their workforce employed in the state.
The application forms for the startups will be available from October 10, which will be then evaluated by a three-member steering committee, chaired by the Minister.
Various state governments are involved in strengthening the startup ecosystem in India to help them solve various problems and generate employment. Kerala government has announced KSUM (Kerala Startup Mission), to support the startup ecosystem in the state.