The sixth edition of Mangaluru Technovanza 2026, which begins here for two days on September 22, will focus its deliberations on four key growth engines: global capability centres (GCCs), data centres, start-ups and medtech, according to the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), the organiser of the event.

The main programme on September 23 will feature a fireside chat with Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology, on the State’s vision for Mangaluru as the “Silicon Beach of India”.

The programme will bring together senior industry leaders and technology voices, including Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director, Accenture India; Miguel Gonzalez Diaz, Managing Director, Carl Zeiss India; Vinay Shenoy, Managing Director, Infineon Technologies; Richard Lobo, Chief People Officer, Tech Mahindra; Rohith Bhat, Lead Industry Anchor, Mangaluru Cluster of KDEM; and B. Ravi, Director, National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NIT-K).

The event, at TMA Pai International Convention Centre, will bring together over 600 delegates, 70 start-ups, 60 GCCs, more than 20 investors and over 10 venture capital firms from across Karnataka, alongside more than 50 innovative technology exhibitions and industry-led conversations.

Silicon Beach Skills Report to be released

A KDEM release said that The Silicon Beach Skills Report 2026 will be released during the event on September 23.

The Mangaluru Vision dialogue on September 23 will feature B.V. Naidu, Chairman, KDEM; J.B.V. Reddy, Scientist-F & Head, Quantum Technology Cell, Department of Science and Technology, Union government; and L.K. Atheeq, Financial Advisor to the Chief Minister.

The agenda on September 23 will feature key technology conversations across GCCs, data centres, start-ups and MedTech.

Discussions will examine how technology, infrastructure and innovation can contribute to a future-ready and sustainable Mangaluru.

Representatives from Israel, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and London & Partners will discuss international partnerships and market access.

The sessions include “Chips to Care: The Future of Tech in Electronics and MedTech” and “Mangaluru as India’s Next-Generation Data Centre Hub”. There will also be a fireside chat on “Mangaluru the Landing Station in GCC Orbit – ready? What and how we can do more.”

A startup pitching session, “Mangaluru Blue”, will take place on September 22. More than 100 startups have enrolled for this event.

Over the years, Mangaluru Technovanza has evolved as a platform for knowledge-sharing, start-up showcases, product launches, industry collaborations and conversations around the future of technology and entrepreneurship in the region. This year, the platform will look beyond the present to explore the opportunities, infrastructure and collaborations that can shape Mangaluru’s next decade of digital growth, KDEM said.