‘Bolpu’ Initiative Aims to Make Mangaluru a Leading Start-Up Hub

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 1, 2026: The ‘Bolpu – Dawn of Opportunities’ initiative, conceptualised by Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta, seeks to transform Mangaluru into one of the country’s leading entrepreneurial hubs over the next five years.

The programme, designed to mentor and guide start-up founders, received an overwhelming response, with more than 850 start-up ideas submitted before the deadline. Following a rigorous three-stage selection process, 11 innovative ideas were shortlisted.

Capt Chowta interacted with the shortlisted entrepreneurs in Mangaluru on Saturday. Addressing them, he said the primary objective of the Bolpu initiative is to create at least 50 successful entrepreneurial ventures in Dakshina Kannada over the next five years, in line with the district’s potential.

Referring to the 11th year of the Startup India programme envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the MP said it was a matter of pride that 11 promising ideas had been selected under Bolpu.

He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on possibilities rather than challenges and expressed hope that women would constitute at least 50 per cent of the beneficiaries under the project, as part of the vision to develop Mangaluru into a major start-up hub.

The selected ideas span diverse sectors. Neil Kevin Martis’ Zappel Labs has proposed a blockchain-based solution, while Abhinandan’s Satva Beverages focuses on dairy-based drinks. Sindhoora TP’s Rani Abbakka Tulu Museum concept aims at cultural preservation.

Preethi and Ganesh Nayak’s juice bottle initiative seeks to empower women, proposing that 85 per cent of its workforce be women employees.

In the technology and environment sectors, Dr Chandrika Tantry’s Ecopoly Biotech, Dr Nikhil S. Shetty’s Biomed Implants, and Sakshath Rai K and Durgadas Shetty’s AI-based healthcare solution have made it to the final list.

Other shortlisted ventures include young engineer Sheshaprasad Bhat’s Vyanika Innovations, Vasanth Madhav Kamath’s Hydrogreens, Mithul Das’ Dasapilot (PLUGFLY) drone technology concept, and Gaurav Ganesh Shetty’s Canara Farms, which focuses on chemical-free dairy products.

The Bolpu team will provide continuous expert mentorship and comprehensive support to the 11 entrepreneurs to help convert their ideas into viable enterprises, the MP said.