Going Global: Karnataka's innovation alliance helps 40 startups to enter international markets

The programme, aligned with the Start-up Policy 2022-2027, is designed to benefit Karnataka startups seeking international markets

Karnataka-based startups are going global, thanks to the state government's Global Innovation Alliance – Market Access Programme (GIA-MAP).

Since September 2023, around 40 startups have benefited from the state Department of Electronics, IT-BT (Information Technology -Biotechnology) ’s GIA-MAP.  Officials said 10 startups each have entered the UAE, Singapore, and Australian markets, while seven have expanded into Belgium.

The majority operate in sectors such as deep tech, aerospace and defence, ed-tech, life sciences, med tech, cybersecurity, and others. They include two startups (DocketRun Tech Private Limited, VividSparks IT Solutions Pvt Ltd) based in Hubballi, one each from Mysuru (Toutche Electric), Kalaburagi (Rootskart), Mangaluru (RDLTechnologies Pvt. Ltd), and Chitradurga (Cosmos Bio Private Limited), with the remaining from Bengaluru.

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The programme, aligned with the Start-up Policy 2022-2027, is designed to benefit Karnataka startups seeking international markets.

In the 2023-2024 state budget, Rs 3 crore was allocated for the programme.  “This is curated to help matured and growth-stage startups in Karnataka to get insights and venture into leading startup ecosystems around the globe,” said IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge.  “GIA-MAP provides startups with direct opportunities to explore the tech ecosystem in partner countries and collaborate with MNCs to expand their businesses,” said Kharge.

The programme will help startups build partnerships and gain insights into regulations and processes necessary for establishing operations in these countries. Key considerations for selecting countries include market accessibility, alignment with Karnataka’s tech focus, government incentives, funding opportunities, and political and economic stability.

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“The programme will determine whether the selected startups will be sector-specific or sector-agnostic and prioritise countries offering welcome packages. Startups could receive 80 percent reimbursement of actual costs for flights, accommodation, and visa fees, or estimated costs from the annual plan, whichever is lower,” said an official.

Half of the reimbursement will be disbursed after the delegation visit, with the remaining half contingent on achieving milestones like meetings with stakeholders and market access progress.“The intended outcomes include facilitating global expansion for Karnataka startups, connecting them with businesses in GIA partner countries, and providing mentorship support”, the official adds.

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