Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday launched two flagship startup programs 'ELEVATE 2024' and KAN (Karnataka Acceleration Network).

According to officials, ELEVATE 2024 is a grant-in-aid seed funding scheme designed to empower early-stage startups in the state.

KAN is an acceleration network that provides mentorship, market access, and funding opportunities for growth startups across the state, with a focus on regions beyond Bengaluru.

At the launch, Kharge emphasised the state's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Karnataka has long been a leader in fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem, and both ELEVATE and KAN are specifically crafted to provide a structured pathway for growth, the Minister said.

"Bengaluru is home to 45 unicorns out of the 112 in the country, with a total valuation of USD 161 billion. Our goal is to break into the top three rankings in the world. We are confident that ELEVATE and KAN together will empower startups to tackle funding challenges, scale their operations, and solidify Karnataka's reputation as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship," he said.

The Minister also unveiled the event app for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, to be held next month.

The app, which is designed to offer registered delegates, exhibitors, and speakers an immersive and streamlined experience throughout the summit, is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms, officials said.

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Bhatkal: In a heartfelt tribute to SM Syed Khalil, popularly known as C.A. Khalil, five prominent organizations of Bhatkal came together for a joint condolence meeting at Jamia Masjid on Friday night. Khalil, a renowned NRI businessman and respected social and religious leader, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the community.

The event was organized under the joint auspices of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Bhatkal, Jamia Islamia, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, and Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem. Several dignitaries spoke about Khalil’s life, his contributions to society, and his immense impact on education and public service.

Maulana Khaja Mohiuddin Akrami Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat, described Khalil as a man of deep faith and integrity. “He carried out every task in his life with religious consciousness and immense belief in God,” he said.

Maulana Abdul Rab Khateeb Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, highlighted Khalil’s selflessness, saying, “His simplicity and the great services he rendered without any expectation of reward are an example for all of us.”

Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi, Khateeb and Imam of Jamia Masjid, emphasized Khalil’s dedication to public service. “He devoted his property, wealth, and personality entirely for the welfare of society. His life was a shining example of commitment to community service,” he remarked.

Speaking on behalf of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Education Society, Vice President Muhammad Sadiq Pillor lauded Khalil’s contributions to education. “His efforts, especially in promoting girls’ education, are invaluable. He extended his services beyond Uttara Kannada to various parts of the country,” he said.

Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem, reflected on Khalil’s efforts to secure political representation for the Muslim community. “He worked tirelessly to build strong relationships with national and state leaders, paving the way for the progress of Bhatkal,” he said.

The meeting also saw participation from Khalifa Jamaat Deputy Qazi Maulana Aiman Nadvi, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Deputy Qazi Abdul Ahad Farkade Nadvi, Zubair Kola, and SM Arshad of Mohtisham Complexes Pvt. Ltd., among others. Each expressed their grief and admiration for Khalil’s contributions.

At the conclusion of the event, the five central organizations jointly passed a condolence resolution, emphasizing that Khalil’s passing was an irreparable loss not only to Bhatkal but also to the Muslim community across India.

“The void left by CA Khalil, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society and the nation, will be hard to fill,” the resolution noted.

The program was conducted by Abdul Raqeeb M.J., General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem.