VISTARA 2026 workshop at Sahyadri strengthens startup ecosystem through industry collaboration

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 13, 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 and Management, Mangaluru, on July 6 and 7, with the objective of strengthening the startup ecosystem through collaboration and industry leadership.

The two-day event brought together more than 55 startup founders, entrepreneurs, students, ecosystem enablers and aspiring innovators, creating a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange and entrepreneurial growth.

The programme was inaugurated in the presence of CS Manu Francis, Rohith Ananth, Krishna Hegde, Dr S.S. Injaganeri, Nanjunda Pratap Palecanda, Bharath Oswal and Johnson Tellis, marking the beginning of two days of interactive sessions and discussions.

Seven distinguished industry leaders shared practical insights drawn from their entrepreneurial, investment and business leadership experiences.

Expert Sessions

CS Manu Francis: Decoding Startup Valuation and Fundraising
Nanjunda Pratap Palecanda: What Does It Take to Build a Scalable Business?
Bharath Oswal: Investor Readiness, Marketing and Brand Positioning
S.L. Sriram: Quality Management Systems and Regulatory Frameworks
CA Gautham Pai D: Financial Strategies and Capital Access

The event also featured special addresses by Suvin, Programme Head, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and Vaishak Pai, Mangaluru Cluster Head, KDEM, who highlighted the need to strengthen Karnataka’s startup ecosystem beyond Bengaluru.

Key Outcomes

Enhanced understanding of startup valuation and fundraising.
Improved investor readiness and market positioning strategies.
Practical insights into building scalable and sustainable businesses.
Increased awareness of regulatory frameworks and quality management systems.
Better understanding of financial planning and capital access strategies.
Networking opportunities among founders, mentors, investors and ecosystem leaders.
Stronger regional innovation ecosystem and prospects for future collaborations.

Organisers said that 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.

Startup Ecosystem Partners

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)
K-Tech
Beyond Bengaluru
Startup Karnataka
DERBI Foundation
SHINE Foundation
Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management

Experts at VISTARA 2026

Rohith Ananth, Founder and CEO, GHC Growth Lab
CS Manu Francis, Senior Analyst-Investments, 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 and Innovation Foundation
S.L. Sriram, Business Consultant, MeDStrat Innovations
CA Gautham Pai D, Partner, M. Jagannath Kamath & Co.