Mangaluru: SHINE Foundation, under the Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) initiative, successfully organised VISTARA 2026 – Open House Session and Workshop with Industry Leaders on July 6 and 7 at Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management, Mangaluru. The two-day programme brought together startup founders, entrepreneurs, students, mentors, and ecosystem enablers to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable business growth.

More than 55 startup founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and industry stakeholders participated in the event, which served as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and entrepreneurial development.

Industry experts share startup insights

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

Seven industry experts shared practical insights on entrepreneurship, fundraising, business growth, investment readiness, and regulatory compliance.

The expert sessions included:

  • CS Manu Francis – Decoding Startup Valuation & Fundraising
  • Nanjunda Pratap Palecanda – Building a Scalable Business
  • Bharath Oswal – Investor Readiness, Marketing & Brand Positioning
  • S. L. Sriram – Quality Management Systems (QMS) & Regulatory Framework
  • CA Gautham Pai D – Financial Strategies & Capital Access

The programme also featured special addresses by Mr. Suvin, Programme Head, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and Mr. Vaishak Pai, Mangaluru Cluster Head, KDEM, who highlighted the importance of strengthening Karnataka’s startup ecosystem beyond Bengaluru by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs across emerging innovation hubs.

Focus on entrepreneurship and innovation

The workshop enabled participants to gain practical knowledge on startup valuation, fundraising, financial planning, regulatory compliance, quality management systems, branding, marketing, and investor engagement.

Interactive discussions and networking sessions facilitated meaningful interactions between startup founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders, helping participants build valuable professional connections.

Key outcomes of VISTARA 2026

The programme delivered several key outcomes, including:

  • Better understanding of startup valuation and fundraising strategies
  • Improved investor readiness and brand positioning
  • Practical insights into building scalable and sustainable businesses
  • Enhanced awareness of regulatory frameworks and quality management systems
  • Financial planning and capital access strategies for growth-stage startups
  • Networking opportunities with founders, investors, mentors, and industry experts
  • Stronger collaboration within Karnataka’s regional innovation ecosystem

Strengthening Karnataka’s startup ecosystem

VISTARA 2026 reaffirmed SHINE Foundation’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship by connecting startups with experienced industry leaders, mentors, and investors while creating opportunities for collaboration and sustainable business growth.

The programme was organised with support from the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), K-Tech, Beyond Bengaluru, Startup Karnataka, DERBI Foundation, SHINE Foundation, and Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management, reinforcing the shared vision of building a vibrant startup ecosystem across Karnataka.