Coastal Startup Fest 2026 formally launched in Mangaluru

Coastal Startup Fest 2026 formally launched in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 7, 2026: The formal launch of Coastal Startup Fest 2026 was held on Friday at The Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru. The two-day startup festival is a flagship initiative of the AIC–Nitte Incubation Centre, K-Tech Innovation Hub, and the NITTE–Government of Karnataka Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation, aimed at positioning the Mangaluru–Udupi corridor as a leading Tier-2 innovation hub in India.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. A. P. Achar, Chief Executive Officer, AIC–Nitte Incubation Centre, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. The event was formally inaugurated by Mr. Ameet Ganu S., General Manager – Corporate Strategy, MRPL, through the unveiling of the programme brochure.

The launch was attended by several eminent guests, including Mr. Poornachandra, AGM, Canara Bank, Udupi; Mr. Divakar Kochikar Pai, Vice President, KCCI; CA S. S. Nayak, MSME and Startup Mentor; Ms. Athmika Amin, Industry–Academia Panel Convenor, CII Mangaluru; Dr. Vijayendra Vasanth, Secretary, Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Mr. Prashun Shetty, Founder and CEO, TagSkills EdTech Pvt. Ltd.

The event witnessed participation from key stakeholders of the startup ecosystem, including startup founders, investors, incubators, industry bodies, academic institutions, and government representatives. It also received wide coverage from print, electronic, and digital media.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ameet Ganu S. highlighted the potential of startups in driving economic transformation and societal development. Mr. Poornachandra spoke on the role of coastal startups in strengthening the Indian economy and outlined government initiatives such as Make in India and Startup India. Mr. Prashun Shetty stressed that students and young innovators are the driving force behind the startup movement. Ms. Athmika Amin underscored the need to create early awareness about entrepreneurship, while CA S. S. Nayak encouraged youth to actively explore opportunities within the startup ecosystem. Mr. Divakar Kochikar Pai advised innovators to look beyond IT and consider sectors such as AgriTech, FinTech, and HealthTech. Dr. Vijayendra Vasanth remarked that true innovation lies in converting opportunities into reality.

Coastal Startup Fest 2026 is organised by AIC–Nitte Incubation Centre, K-Tech Innovation Hub, and the NITTE–GOK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation, in partnership with Fiza by Nexus Mall, Mangaluru, with KDEM as the strategic partner. The event is supported by MRPL, Canara Bank, and TagSkills EdTech Pvt. Ltd.

The main festival will be held on March 28 and 29, 2026, at Fiza by Nexus Mall, Mangaluru, and will feature SPARK 2026 – Student Business Idea Challenge, a Coastal Startup Expo and Investor Summit, Coastal Startup Excellence Awards, an Industry–Academia Roundtable, and structured investor networking sessions.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Deekshith Shetty. Members from AIC–Nitte, Nitte–KTech, NITTE–GOK COE Aquamarine, and Fiza by Nexus Mall coordinated the event.