Mangaluru: The Vertex CXO Conclave 2026, hosted by Vertex Workspaces, brought together industry leaders, policymakers and senior executives to explore opportunities for business expansion beyond Bengaluru and position Mangaluru as a key destination for enterprise and technology-driven growth.
The event was held at the Dr. TMA Pai International Convention Centre on April 24, drawing participation from stakeholders across the business and technology ecosystem.
Focus on decentralised growth
Senior officials from the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society outlined policy frameworks aimed at encouraging investments in non-metro regions.
Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Managing Director of KITS, along with KDEM representatives Samir Venugopal, Bharath Chandra B. K., and Vaishak Pai, highlighted incentives related to infrastructure, talent development and regulatory support. These initiatives are designed to encourage companies to expand beyond major urban centres like Bengaluru.
The discussions emphasised the importance of decentralisation in Karnataka’s economic strategy, with tier-2 cities such as Mangaluru emerging as viable alternatives for business operations.
Vertex outlines vision for business ecosystem
Setting the tone for the conclave, Vinayak Palanakar, Chief Marketing Officer of Vertex Workspaces, said the company aims to evolve beyond a workspace provider into a catalyst for business growth. He noted that Vertex is focused on creating an enabling environment where companies can scale efficiently with access to infrastructure and ecosystem support.
He added that Vertex plans to assist companies operating within its spaces in accessing government grants and incentives, while also addressing key challenges such as recruitment and talent acquisition.
Strengths and challenges discussed
Speakers at the conclave highlighted several advantages that position Mangaluru as an emerging business hub. These include a strong educational ecosystem, improving infrastructure, and the increasing presence of IT firms and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
At the same time, participants acknowledged persistent challenges. Talent retention, ecosystem maturity and stronger industry collaboration were identified as areas requiring sustained attention.
Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno, shared insights on workforce trends in the Mangaluru-Udupi region. He observed that while there is a steady supply of entry- and mid-level professionals, the availability of senior-level talent remains limited.
He stressed the need for structured hiring strategies and stronger local ecosystems to reduce migration of skilled professionals to larger cities.
Bridging awareness and execution gaps
Another key theme that emerged during the conclave was the gap between awareness and execution when it comes to government incentives. While companies are increasingly aware of available schemes, they often face challenges in navigating processes and accessing benefits effectively.
Vertex Workspaces reiterated its commitment to bridging this gap by actively supporting businesses within its ecosystem. This includes facilitating connections with talent networks and guiding companies through incentive frameworks.
Collaboration and future initiatives
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the event to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and support business expansion in the region. The agreement is expected to enhance coordination between industry players and government bodies.
In his concluding remarks, Gurudatta Shenoy, Managing Partner of Vertex Workspaces, said the initiative would extend beyond the conclave through leadership forums, hiring platforms and policy engagement efforts aimed at supporting companies entering emerging markets.
The event also showcased Vertex Ashoka, a dedicated infrastructure initiative designed to support enterprise and GCC operations, further reinforcing Mangaluru’s growing profile as a preferred business destination.
Conclusion
The Vertex CXO Conclave 2026 underscored the increasing importance of decentralised growth in Karnataka’s economic landscape. With strong institutional support, improving infrastructure and a growing talent base, Mangaluru is steadily positioning itself as a promising hub for technology and enterprise expansion.