Mangaluru:The Formal Launch of Coastal Startup Fest 2026, Mangaluru was held on 7 February 2026 at The Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru. Coastal Startup Fest 2026 is a flagship initiative of 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.
This premier two-day startup festival brings together curated startups, angel investors, industry leaders, academia, and ecosystem partners to foster collaboration, investment, and sustainable growth.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. A. P. Achar, Chief Executive Officer, AIC-Nitte Incubation Centre, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries present. The event was formally inaugurated by Mr. Ameet Ganu S., General Manager – Corporate Strategy, MRPL, through the unveiling of the Program Brochure.
The event was graced by eminent Guests of Honour, including Mr. Poornachandra, AGM, Canara Bank, Udupi; Mr. Divakar Kochikar Pai, Vice President, KCCI; CA S. S. Nayak, MSME & 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 & CEO, TagSkills EdTech Pvt. Ltd.
The launch witnessed the presence of key stakeholders from the startup ecosystem, including startup founders, investors, incubators, industry bodies, academic institutions, and government representatives. The event received extensive coverage from print, electronic, and digital media, ensuring wide visibility and statewide outreach.
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, scheduled for 28–29 March 2026 at Fiza by Nexus Mall, Mangaluru, will feature:
- SPARK 2026 – Student Business Idea Challenge, offering cash prizes and six months of mentorship
- Coastal Startup Expo & Investor Summit, with interactive booths, startup pitches, and visibility to over 60,000 visitors
- Coastal Startup Excellence Awards, recognising Startup of the Year, Innovation Excellence, and Social Impact Pioneer
- Industry–Academia Roundtable, fostering campus-led innovation
- Structured investor networking, targeting 50+ curated interactions
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ameet Ganu S. highlighted the immense potential of startups in transforming the economy and contributing to societal development.
Mr. Poornachandra, AGM, Canara Bank, Udupi Circle, spoke about the significant impact of coastal startups in driving the Indian economy and highlighted various government initiatives such as Make in India and Startup India that support the startup ecosystem.
Mr. Prashun Shetty, Founder & CEO, TagSkills EdTech Pvt. Ltd., emphasized that young innovators and students are the driving force of the event and encouraged them to explore the wide range of opportunities provided by government initiatives.
Ms. Athmika Amin, Industry–Academia Panel Convenor, CII Mangaluru, highlighted the importance of creating awareness among young innovators about the entrepreneurial journey.
CA S. S. Nayak, MSME & Startup Mentor, urged young minds to deeply explore the opportunities available within the startup ecosystem, noting that the strong organising team and partners reflect the quality and credibility of the event.
Mr. Divakar Kochikar Pai, Vice President, KCCI Mangaluru, advised young innovators to look beyond IT startups and explore opportunities in AgriTech, FinTech, and HealthTech, focusing on solving real societal challenges.
Dr. Vijayendra Vasanth, Secretary, Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked that “An ordinary man waits for opportunity, a wise man uses opportunity, and an extraordinary man turns opportunity into reality.”
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Deekshith Shetty, Host of the event. Members from AIC-Nitte, Nitte-KTech, NITTE–GOK COE Aquamarine, and Fiza by Nexus Mall coordinated the successful conduct of the event.
