Mangaluru: The inaugural ceremony of the NITTE–MRPL Coastal Startup Fest 2026 was held with enthusiasm on March 28, 2026, at Fiza by Nexus Mall, bringing together entrepreneurs, students, industry leaders, and policymakers on a common platform.
The two-day festival, scheduled for March 28 and 29, aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in coastal Karnataka and beyond, with a special focus on empowering Tier-2 cities.
Inauguration by industry and academic leaders
The event was formally inaugurated with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Prof. Dr. B. Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice President (ISR & CRL), NITTE (Deemed to be University); Shri Chetan Dixit, Vice President, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM); Nithin Panchmal, Founder and CEO, Invaria Technology; Mr. Arvind Shrivastav, Senior Centre Director, Fiza by Nexus; CA S. S. Nayak, MSME and Startup Mentor; and Dr. A. P. Achar, CEO of AIC-Nitte Incubation Centre.
The dignitaries highlighted the importance of nurturing innovation ecosystems outside metropolitan cities and encouraged young entrepreneurs to leverage available platforms and resources.
Focus on innovation beyond metros
The festival opened with a panel discussion on “Innovation Beyond Metros,” addressing the opportunities and challenges faced by startups in non-metro regions. Speakers emphasised the need for stronger support systems, access to funding, and mentorship to help startups thrive in coastal and semi-urban areas.
The discussions underscored the growing potential of Tier-2 cities as emerging hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship.
SPARK 2026 and startup showcase
A major highlight of the event is SPARK 2026, a student business idea competition featuring multiple rounds leading up to the finals. The competition provides a platform for students to present innovative ideas and receive feedback from industry experts.
The fest also includes a Coastal Startup Expo and Investor Summit, offering participants opportunities to showcase their ventures, interact with investors, and explore funding possibilities.
Sessions on funding and sustainability
Another key component of the festival is a panel discussion on funding, scaling, and sustainability of startups. The session aims to guide entrepreneurs on building resilient business models and navigating challenges in the startup journey.
Participants are also given opportunities to connect with mentors, collaborate with peers, and gain insights into industry trends.
Organisers and supporting partners
The 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.
The event is supported by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, with Vertex Workspace as the outreach partner. Additional support has been extended by organisations such as ONGC MRPL, Canara Bank, TagSkills EdTech, and SIDBI.
Celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship
The festival will conclude with the Coastal Startup Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding innovations and contributions to the startup ecosystem.
Organisers have extended an open invitation to students, entrepreneurs, and the public to participate in the event, which is expected to witness a large turnout.
Conclusion
The NITTE–MRPL Coastal Startup Fest 2026 serves as a dynamic platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth in coastal Karnataka. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event aims to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
