VISTARA 2026 Brings Startup Leaders and Entrepreneurs Together at Sahyadri Campus

VISTARA 2026 Brings Startup Leaders and Entrepreneurs Together at Sahyadri Campus

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 12, 2026: SHINE Foundation, under the Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) initiative, successfully organised VISTARA 2026 – Open House Session and Workshop with Industry Leaders at Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management on July 6 and 7, bringing together startup founders, entrepreneurs, students and ecosystem enablers to strengthen Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem.

More than 55 startup founders, entrepreneurs, aspiring innovators and students participated in the two-day programme, which served as a platform for collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing. Seven industry leaders conducted expert sessions, offering practical insights into entrepreneurship, fundraising, business growth and investment.

The event was inaugurated by CS Manu Francis, Rohith Ananth, Krishna Hegde, Dr S. S. Injaganeri, Nanjunda Pratap Palecanda, Bharath Oswal and Johnson Tellis.

The workshop featured sessions by CS Manu Francis on startup valuation and fundraising, Nanjunda Pratap Palecanda on building scalable businesses, Bharath Oswal on investor readiness, marketing and brand positioning, S. L. Sriram on quality management systems and regulatory frameworks, and CA Gautham Pai D on financial strategies and capital access.

Special addresses were delivered by Suvin, Programme Head, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and Vaishak Pai, Mangaluru Cluster Head, KDEM, who highlighted the importance of strengthening Karnataka’s startup ecosystem beyond Bengaluru.

According to the organisers, the workshop enhanced participants’ understanding of startup valuation, fundraising, investor readiness, market positioning, financial planning and regulatory compliance. It also facilitated networking among founders, mentors, investors and ecosystem leaders, fostering stronger regional innovation partnerships.

The organisers said VISTARA 2026 reaffirmed SHINE Foundation’s commitment to empowering startups by connecting them with experienced industry leaders and creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and sustainable business growth.

The startup ecosystem partners for the event included Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), K-Tech, Beyond Bengaluru, Startup Karnataka, DERBI Foundation, SHINE Foundation and Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management.

The panel of experts included Rohith Ananth, Founder and CEO, GHC Growth Lab; CS Manu Francis, Senior Investment Analyst, July Ventures; Nanjunda Pratap Palecanda, Founder, Nija Venture Impacts Pvt. Ltd.; Sanjeev Chitre, Founder and Managing Partner, The U-Group LLC; Bharath Oswal, Vice Chairman, JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation; S. L. Sriram, Business Consultant, MeDStrat Innovations; and CA Gautham Pai D, Partner, M. Jagannath Kamath & Co.