Mangaluru: A dynamic new campaign, titled “Come Back Tiger!”, is gaining momentum across Mangaluru, Udupi, and Manipal, aiming to woo back IT, fintech, and agritech professionals originally from coastal Karnataka but now working in metro cities or abroad.
Launched by a group of local tech leaders under the Silicon Beach of India initiative, the movement is not about wildlife—but about reclaiming human potential. Its goal: to spark a digital transformation in the coastal belt by bringing back seasoned professionals who can mentor and lead the next generation of innovators.
“Infrastructure is no longer the bottleneck,” says Rohit Bhat, a campaign co-founder. “What we need now is experienced talent to fuel the region’s tech ambitions.”
The campaign includes a broad-based online survey aimed at professionals with coastal roots. The response has been overwhelming—2,000+ techies have already participated, with 92% expressing interest in returning if the right roles emerge.
This growing enthusiasm comes as Bengaluru and other metros face liveability issues, making tier-2 cities like Mangaluru more attractive for work-life balance. In the past two years, over 40 startups have emerged across the region, each employing 25–50 people, signaling the quiet rise of a new tech corridor.
For larger investments and global players to take notice, a strong leadership base on the ground is crucial. The campaign is pushing to deliver just that.
Beyond job creation, the initiative aims to forge partnerships with institutions like NITK, MAHE, and local colleges, strengthen incubators, and foster a sustainable, innovation-led economy. The survey remains open until July 31, and the final report will be shared with the Karnataka government and major tech firms by early August.
This isn’t just a homecoming—it’s a movement to rewrite the future of India’s digital geography.