Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) — Mangaluru Cluster

KAN is a startup acceleration programme run by the Government of Karnataka and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission to help early-stage startups scale through mentorship, market access and investor readiness. SHINE Foundation delivers it for the Mangaluru cluster; the college describes itself as one of six partner accelerators across the network. Cohort 3 is the current round.

What you get

• A structured four-module programme covering strategy, validation, go-to-market and scale pathways, delivered under the mission's guidelines
• One-to-one mentorship sessions and group workshops, with dedicated mentors tracking progress and milestones week by week
• Growth modules on strategy, finance, go-to-market and operational scaling
• Market access through pilot opportunities with industry and government, and access to customers and partner institutions in the Mangaluru region
• An investor bootcamp with pitch coaching, financial refinement, curated investor connects and a demo day
• Workspace access, plus labs and facilities in Mangaluru

Who can apply

• Startups registered in Karnataka, other than One Person Companies
• Startups that are MVP-ready, proof-of-concept ready, or already showing early traction
• Seed-funded or revenue-ready startups
• Innovation-led, tech-enabled solutions
• Founders committed to full-time execution

There is no requirement to be a student of, or otherwise connected to, the college.

How selection works: Not published. The programme's material describes what happens during the cohort but not how applicants are shortlisted.

How to apply: Use the Apply Now button on SHINE Foundation's home page, which opens an online application. The cohort brochure can be downloaded from the same page. No closing date is published, and the application is behind a sign-in, so check with SHINE at shine@sahyadri.edu.in before you start.