Karnataka has opened applications under its Government First initiative, giving eligible startups an opportunity to secure government work orders worth up to ₹25 lakh for pilot projects. Launched to connect technology companies with public-sector challenges, the programme focuses on solutions that can improve citizen services and urban water management.
Karnataka Government Opens Applications Under Government First
The Karnataka government has opened the first application call under its Government First initiative, inviting startups to develop and deploy technology solutions for challenges identified by government departments. The initiative aims to make the government an early customer for startups with products that are ready for real-world implementation.
Announced under Karnataka’s Startup Policy 2025-30, the programme is designed to help startups move beyond product development and test their solutions in actual government operations. Selected companies can receive work orders worth up to ₹25 lakh to implement and validate their technologies.
The first call was announced on October 8, 2026, and applications are open until 5 pm on October 23, 2026. The initiative is being implemented through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), which works on technology development and startup promotion in the state.
The programme seeks to address a common challenge faced by startups: securing their first major customer. By creating opportunities to work with government departments, Karnataka aims to help startups demonstrate their products, establish credibility and potentially access larger procurement opportunities. (Internal keywords: Karnataka Government First initiative, Karnataka startup policy 2025-30, startup work orders)
₹25 Crore Programme Targets Around 100 Startups
The Government First initiative has a total financial outlay of ₹25 crore over three years and aims to support approximately 100 startups. Under the programme, eligible companies can receive work orders of up to ₹25 lakh for pilot implementation and validation.
The support is linked to the deployment and testing of solutions rather than being an unrestricted cash grant. Startups must demonstrate that their products can address a defined government requirement and meet the necessary technical and operational standards.
This distinction matters for founders planning their finances. A work order represents an opportunity to deliver a solution under agreed conditions. Startups should therefore evaluate implementation expenses, staffing requirements, delivery timelines and payment terms before committing resources.
The initiative is part of Karnataka’s broader efforts to strengthen its startup ecosystem through the state’s Startup Policy 2025-30 and existing programmes. By supporting real-world deployment, the government hopes to bridge the gap between a promising technology product and its adoption by public institutions.
However, receiving a work order is not automatic. Applications must go through the programme’s evaluation process, and the maximum amount available should not be interpreted as a guaranteed payment for every applicant. (Internal keywords: Karnataka startup funding, government startup procurement, startup pilot projects India)
First Call Focuses on Citizen Services and Water Management
The first application round focuses on two major areas: citizen-centric governance under Praja Seva and urban water management involving the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
Under Praja Seva, the government is looking for technology-based solutions that can improve the delivery of public services. The identified challenges include AI-enabled grievance management, an AI-powered unified citizen call centre, digital office workflows and the reliable operation of government IT services used by citizens.
These areas offer potential opportunities for startups working in artificial intelligence, enterprise software, workflow automation, data analytics and digital governance. For example, a startup with a mature grievance-management platform could propose a system that helps departments organise complaints, track their status and improve response coordination.
Water management is the second major focus. The BWSSB has identified challenges involving artificial intelligence for reducing non-revenue water, planning the reuse of treated wastewater, intelligent asset management, geographic information system-based revenue and operational intelligence, and digital twins for integrated water management.
Non-revenue water refers to water that enters a distribution system but does not generate revenue, often because of physical losses, unauthorised consumption or measurement and billing issues. Technology that helps identify leaks, monitor infrastructure or improve operational planning could support more efficient water management.
For startups, the focus areas provide a clearer picture of the problems government departments want to solve. Companies should match their applications to the specific requirements rather than submitting a generic technology proposal. (Internal keywords: AI startups India, Praja Seva Karnataka, BWSSB water management technology)
Which Startups Can Apply for the Work Orders?
The programme is intended for startups with deployment-ready solutions rather than businesses that are still at the early research stage.
According to the published programme guidelines, eligible startups must be registered as Karnataka startups, be less than 10 years old and have annual turnover not exceeding ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. They must demonstrate innovation and scalability and comply with applicable technical, regulatory and sector-specific certification requirements.
The programme also specifies a Technology Readiness Level of 7, indicating that solutions should have been validated in operational environments and be ready for real-world testing. This requirement makes product maturity an important consideration for applicants.
The initiative covers a range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, information technology, data analytics, digital governance, healthcare, agriculture, education, mobility, consulting, design and logistics.
Startups should review the detailed eligibility conditions and the requirements attached to the relevant problem statement before applying. A company with a strong technology concept may still be unsuitable if its product is not sufficiently developed or does not meet the department’s operational needs.
Founders should also prepare evidence of product performance, implementation capability, technical compliance and the expected outcomes of a pilot. Clear documentation can help explain how the proposed solution will address the identified problem. (Internal keywords: Karnataka startup eligibility, Technology Readiness Level 7, government technology tenders)
How Successful Pilots Could Lead to Wider Government Adoption
One of the initiative’s key objectives is to create a pathway from testing a startup’s product to potential adoption by government departments.
A successful pilot can provide evidence that a technology works under actual operating conditions. It can also help a startup demonstrate measurable improvements in efficiency, service delivery or resource management.
For example, a water-management platform that identifies distribution losses could be evaluated on its accuracy and usefulness to the relevant department. Similarly, a citizen-service tool could be assessed on its ability to support grievance handling or improve workflow coordination.
The results of such pilots may help departments decide whether a solution should be considered for wider deployment. Technologies that demonstrate positive outcomes could potentially be considered by other government departments as well, subject to applicable approvals and procurement requirements.
However, selection for a pilot does not guarantee a larger contract. Startups will need to demonstrate performance, meet agreed deliverables and satisfy the relevant procurement conditions before any further adoption.
For the government, the model creates an opportunity to evaluate new technologies against practical requirements. For startups, it offers a route to build implementation experience and establish a track record in the public sector.
What the Initiative Means for Karnataka’s Startup Ecosystem
Government procurement can be difficult for smaller technology companies because public institutions often require demonstrated reliability, operational readiness and compliance with formal procedures.
Government First attempts to address part of this challenge by identifying specific departmental problems and inviting startups to propose solutions. This approach can help connect innovation with practical public-sector demand.
The initiative could be particularly relevant for startups developing AI applications, civic technology, water infrastructure software and digital administration tools. These companies may gain an opportunity to test their products in environments that are difficult to replicate through private demonstrations alone.
At the same time, the programme’s effectiveness will depend on execution. Clear evaluation criteria, timely decisions, realistic pilot requirements and predictable payment processes will be important for participating businesses.
The ₹25 crore allocation and target of supporting around 100 startups establish the programme’s intended scale. Its longer-term impact will depend on how many pilots are completed successfully and whether government departments adopt the resulting solutions.
For founders considering an application, the immediate priority is to identify a relevant problem statement, confirm eligibility and prepare a proposal that demonstrates technical readiness and measurable public value.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka has opened the first application call under its Government First startup initiative, with applications closing on October 23, 2026, at 5 pm.
- The programme has a total outlay of ₹25 crore over three years and aims to support around 100 startups.
- Selected startups can receive work orders worth up to ₹25 lakh for pilot implementation and validation.
- The first call focuses on AI-enabled citizen services and urban water management, with eligibility and technical readiness requirements applying to applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Karnataka’s Government First initiative?
Government First is a Karnataka government programme designed to connect eligible startups with challenges identified by government departments. It provides opportunities to test deployment-ready technology through pilot projects and potentially progress towards wider government adoption.
2. How much financial support can a startup receive?
Selected startups can receive work orders worth up to ₹25 lakh for pilot implementation and validation. The amount is subject to selection and the requirements of the approved project, rather than being a guaranteed payment for every applicant.
3. What is the last date to apply?
Applications for the first call are open until October 23, 2026, at 5 pm. Applicants should check the official programme application materials for the latest submission requirements.
4. Which sectors are covered by the initiative?
The programme covers areas including artificial intelligence, information technology, data analytics, digital governance, healthcare, agriculture, education, mobility, consulting, design and logistics. The first call specifically focuses on citizen-centric governance and urban water management.
