Karnataka launches ₹25-crore programme to pilot startup solutions

The Karnataka government has launched the ‘Government First’ programme, a ₹25 crore initiative designed to help local startups secure government contracts by piloting their solutions in public departments. Over the next three years, the programme aims to support approximately 100 startups, providing selected firms with work orders of up to ₹25 lakh to test deployment-ready technologies in actual government environments.

The first phase of the programme focuses on problem statements from Praja Seva and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Key areas for innovation include grievance redressal, citizen call centres, e-Office systems, non-revenue water management, treated wastewater, asset management, and digital twins. Successful pilots may lead to broader adoption and wider deployment across various government departments.

While industry representatives have welcomed the initiative as a way to provide vital market access and scale innovation, some have cautioned that the government must ensure prompt payments and transparent processes to help startups remain sustainable.