Mangaluru: The National Productivity Council (NPC) in association with the Mangalore Productivity Council will organise a one-day workshop titled “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs” on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Conference Hall of A J Institute of Management (AJIM).
The programme is part of the nationwide observance of Productivity Week – 2026 and is being conducted in collaboration with IQAC and the ED Club of AJIM. The inaugural session is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am.
Focus on MSME ecosystem and productivity
The workshop aims to highlight the importance of cluster-based development as a key strategy to enhance productivity in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The cluster approach encourages collaboration, shared resources, innovation, and efficiency among businesses operating in similar sectors.
The inaugural address and keynote session will be delivered by CA S. S. Nayak, Senior Partner, S S Nayak & Associates, Mangaluru and Bengaluru, who is widely recognised as an MSME and startup mentor. His session on “Entrepreneurial & MSME Ecosystem in India” will focus on opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable business models.
Mr. Prakash Kalbhavi, Managing Director of Kalbhavi Consumer Foods Pvt Ltd, will attend the programme as the Chief Guest.
Government support and funding insights
Following the inaugural session, Dr. A. P. Achar, CEO of Atal Incubation Centre, Nitte, will speak on “Government Support for Startups & Funding Options”, providing insights into incubation, grants, policy support, and funding channels available for emerging enterprises.
The concluding technical session will be handled by Shri Vasantha Shetty, Former AGM of Canara Bank, who will address participants on “CIBIL Score for Credit Facility”, focusing on financial discipline, creditworthiness, and responsible borrowing practices.
The event will be presided over by Dr. T. Jayaprakash Rao, Executive Director of AJIM, in the presence of Dr. Swapna J. Shetty, Director of AJIM. The programme is coordinated by Dr. Mahesh P. G. and Prof. Shwetha Rao.
Encouraging industry–academia collaboration
By bringing together policymakers, financial experts, entrepreneurs, and academicians, the workshop seeks to build awareness on productivity enhancement and cluster-based growth models. The initiative is expected to benefit entrepreneurs, MSME owners, startup founders, management students, and faculty members.
Participants will gain practical exposure to business compliance, funding pathways, and structured growth strategies that align with national productivity goals.