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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Guwahati (PTI): Blistering fifties by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel powered Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL match here on Friday.

Sent in to bat, RCB rode on a fighting half-century by skipper Rajat Patidar (63) to post 201 for 8.

Virat Kohli (32), Romario Shepherd (22) and Venkatesh Iyer (29) also chipped in with useful contributions.

In reply, Sooryavanshi (78 off 26 balls) and Dhruv Jurel (81 not out off 43 balls) shared a 37-ball 108-run partnership for the second wicket to set the platform. Krunal Pandya (2/30) tried to bring them back with back-to-back wickets.

But Jurel, in the company of Ravindra Jadeja (24), completed the task with another 68-run stand, with two overs to spare.

For RR, Jofra Archer (2/33), Ravi Bishnoi (2/32) and Brijesh Sharma (2/37) took two wickets.

Brief scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 201 for 8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 63; Jofra Archer 2/33, Ravi Bishnoi 2/32, Brijesh Sharma 2/37).

Rajasthan Royals: 202 for 4 in 18 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 78, Dhruv Jurel 80 not out; Krunal Pandya 2/30, Josh Hazlewood 2/44).