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Karnataka Becomes The First State In India To Grant Funds To Startups
For the very first time, Karnataka became the first state in India to grant funds for 8 startups in the Tourism sector which had won a hackathon. And also that they were given over 25% of Rs.1.90 crores that they had collectively won.
This all started when the tourism hackathon competition was held for the budding startups. And the winners were declared that they would be honored with some prize money.
Yesterday, it was about five minutes to 5 P.M., when Karnataka’s IT and Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge entered into the hall room of the Vidhana Soudha. The honorable CM was about to be in the hall in any second to hand over the cheques to the startups who won the competition.
Surprisingly, none of the eight winners turned up to receive their prizes. Then a group of officials swung into action to reach for the winners in whatever way they can be communicated. Some were stopped by the security and some however managed to enter the hall. After the CM Siddaramaiah strode in, the startup founders were glad to at last reach the main building where the CM and the officials were present.
IT Minister Priyank told the CM that a total of Rs. 1.9 crores was granted to these startups. These startup companies developed ideas and products that enhanced the tourism experience. He also added saying that it is the first kind of initiative in India where winners of the Pitch to Government–Tourism Challenge held in November 2016 are receiving their first installment cheques.
These 8 winners were selected among 127 online registrations and each will be receiving anything between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 50 lakh.
The hackathon contest was conducted by the Karnataka Startup Cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services, ( KBITS,) Department of IT and BT and the Department of Tourism.
The sole objective of this competition is to encourage those innovators who may need early stage funding to stimulate commercialization of their inventions and to help in validating proof of concept.
“Our focus is to create a strong startup ecosystem with a bottom-up mentality.” said Gaurav Gupta Principal Secretary of IT, BT and Science and Technology.
These are the 8 startup companies who emerged as winners:
1) AOO Hostels – Rs. 40 lakh
2) Highway Delite – Rs. 35 lakh
3) DigiTour Technologies – Rs. 25 lakh
4) TripdAiry – Rs. 20 lakh
5) Aseuro Technologies – Rs. 25 lakh
6) Moving up Products – Rs. 5 lakh
7) Trip on Food – Rs. 5 lakh
8) Highir Technologies – Rs. 25 lakh
Well, good luck all.
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
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