Mangaluru: The Silicon Beach Programme (SBP) has launched its latest initiative, ‘BaseCamp’, a zero-profit venture aimed at enabling IT professionals and companies to establish operations in Mangaluru and surrounding regions without the usual logistical hurdles. The programme was formally unveiled by Mangaluru North MLA Dr Y Bharat Shetty at wrkwrk Triangle in Kottara on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Dr Shetty highlighted that BaseCamp comes at a crucial time, following the success of SBP’s earlier initiative, ‘HomeComing’. He noted that while HomeComing focused on encouraging skilled professionals to return to Coastal Karnataka, BaseCamp aims to address the infrastructural and operational challenges faced by companies looking to set up in the region.
Bridging infrastructure and talent gaps
SBP Convener and entrepreneur Rohith Bhat explained that BaseCamp complements the earlier efforts by focusing on the demand side of the ecosystem. “HomeComing addressed the talent supply, whereas BaseCamp enables companies to utilise that talent by providing infrastructure, operational support and guidance,” he said.
The initiative is designed to act as a one-stop solution for businesses. It will assist IT firms with office infrastructure, hiring processes, taxation concerns and compliance requirements. By doing so, it removes the barriers that often discourage companies from expanding beyond established metropolitan hubs like Bengaluru, Pune or Gurgaon.
According to Bhat, BaseCamp will also function as a transition partner, helping organisations seamlessly set up and scale their operations in Coastal Karnataka. The programme leverages expertise from professionals and consultants based in Bengaluru, ensuring that companies receive industry-standard support.
Inspired by successful pilot experiences
The concept of BaseCamp emerged from SBP’s experience in assisting global firms such as Vinyl Equity and Entrupy in establishing their presence in Mangaluru. These pilot projects demonstrated that the city has the potential to support high-quality IT operations.
Vinyl Equity Director Nagaraj Acharya shared that the company had initially considered several major cities for expansion. “We looked at Pune, Bengaluru and Gurgaon. However, the ecosystem in Mangaluru, combined with SBP’s support, convinced us to choose this city,” he said.
Similarly, Entrupy’s Head of People Operations Vishal Kanchan pointed out that his connection to the region played a role in the decision. An alumnus of Nitte Mahalinga Adyanthaya Memorial Institute of Technology, Kanchan said the company began with a small experimental team in September 2025. “The results were immediate and encouraging. We now have over 40 employees in Mangaluru and have faced no compliance issues,” he noted.
Unlocking Mangaluru’s untapped potential
Industry leaders at the event emphasised that Mangaluru is well-positioned to emerge as a significant IT hub. The city already boasts a strong talent pool, supported by reputed engineering institutions and a growing number of professionals returning from larger cities.
Additionally, Mangaluru has five IT parks and sufficient capacity to accommodate a large number of companies. With improved connectivity and quality of life, the region offers a compelling alternative to overcrowded metros.
Dr Shetty stressed that initiatives like BaseCamp could play a key role in decentralising India’s IT sector. “By creating opportunities in tier-2 cities like Mangaluru, we can reduce migration pressures on metros while promoting balanced regional development,” he said.
A collaborative approach to growth
BaseCamp is structured as a collaborative platform, bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry experts. The zero-profit model ensures that the focus remains on ecosystem development rather than commercial gain.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to position Coastal Karnataka as a technology destination. With continued support from local stakeholders and success stories from early adopters, BaseCamp is expected to attract more companies in the coming months.
Conclusion
The launch of BaseCamp marks a significant step in strengthening Mangaluru’s IT ecosystem. By addressing both infrastructure and operational challenges, the initiative creates a conducive environment for businesses to thrive outside traditional tech hubs. If successfully scaled, BaseCamp could transform Mangaluru into a key player in India’s expanding digital economy, offering opportunities for both companies and professionals alike.