Cogniquest AI secures ELEVATE 2025 recognition from Karnataka Government

By Vriti Gothi

Cogniquest AI has been recognised as a winner of ELEVATE 2025, a flagship startup support programme under the Government of Karnataka’s Startup Policy 2025–2030. The recognition was conferred at the Startup Felicitation Ceremony organised by the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology (E, IT, BT & S&T), Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with the Karnataka Startup Cell.

The ELEVATE scheme is administered by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) and is designed to identify and support high-potential, innovation-led startups through financial assistance, mentorship, and ecosystem access. The programme has traditionally focused on early- and growth-stage companies developing scalable, technology-driven solutions with commercial and societal relevance.

Cogniquest AI’s selection reflects a broader policy emphasis on deep-tech and enterprise-grade artificial intelligence, areas that are increasingly central to India’s FinTech, enterprise software, and digital infrastructure landscape. As financial institutions and large enterprises accelerate adoption of AI for automation, risk management, compliance, and decision intelligence, policymakers are placing greater importance on production-ready solutions rather than experimental or pilot-stage technologies.

The Karnataka Startup Policy 2025–2030 aims to position the state as a global innovation hub by strengthening support for startups working in advanced domains such as AI, machine learning, data platforms, cybersecurity, and applied FinTech infrastructure. Through initiatives like ELEVATE, the state seeks to bridge early funding gaps while enabling startups to scale responsibly within regulated and enterprise environments.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Cogniquest AI acknowledged the role of the Karnataka government in fostering an innovation-friendly ecosystem that supports the development and deployment of complex AI systems. The company noted that institutional backing is particularly critical for startups building enterprise-grade platforms that require longer development cycles, rigorous testing, and integration with existing business systems.

For the wider FinTech and enterprise technology sector, recognitions under programmes such as ELEVATE signal a maturing startup ecosystem, where government support is increasingly aligned with commercial viability and real-world deployment. As enterprises demand AI solutions that are secure, compliant, and scalable, policy-led initiatives are expected to play a key role in accelerating the transition from innovation to implementation.

The ELEVATE 2025 cohort underscores Karnataka’s continued focus on supporting startups that combine technological depth with clear pathways to market adoption.