Mysore/Mysuru: The Karnataka Acceleration Network (KAN) Demo Day-2025, hosted by SJCE-STEP, supported by JSS Science & Technology University (JSS STU) and JSS Mahavidyapeetha, brought together innovators, investors and industry leaders from across the State for a full-day showcase of 18 promising startups.

Supported by the Government of Karnataka, Department of Electronics, IT & BT and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), the event marked a milestone for the Mysuru startup ecosystem — a growing hub driving innovation beyond Bengaluru — and was organised in collaboration with JAIN Launchpad.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. C. G. Betsurmath, Executive Secretary, JSS Mahavidyapeetha along with Dr. Suresh Bhojraj, Pro-Chancellor & Director (TED), JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sudhanva Dhananjaya, CMD, Excelsoft Technologies and Sudheer Shankar, Cluster Head, KDEM.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Betsurmath highlighted the visionary role of JSS Mahavidyapeetha in establishing SJCE-STEP decades ago and sustaining it as a catalyst for regional innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Suresh stressed the importance of leadership and character in entrepreneurship, noting that successful founders combine creativity with resilience & empathy.

Innovation Beyond Bengaluru

KAN is driving the State’s vision to decentralise innovation and strengthen regional startup clusters in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi and beyond.

Sudheer Shankar noted that Karnataka’s collective efforts are helping founders “fast-track their journey and bring cities like Mysuru on par with major metros in innovation and delivery.”

Sudhanva urged young founders to “think with purpose, validate ideas and find their first customer,” describing it as “belief turning into business and hope turning into history.”

He lauded SJCE-STEP, KDEM and TiE Mysuru for nurturing “the next generation of bold builders and purposeful pioneers rising from Mysuru.”

The investor panel featured leading venture networks, including Capital-A, FreeFlow Ventures, 3One4 Capital, Fundamental VC, Excelsoft (MHD Ventures), NR Group, Paipal Ventures, The Chennai Angels, Sri Prabha Partners, Venture Catalyst, and Infopine.

Ecosystem partners, including TiE Mysuru, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Young Indians (Yi), Mysore Entrepreneurs Forum, SparkleCine, IIMB NSRCEL and Pratyagra Foundation, strengthened the platform’s collaborative reach.

A catalyst for Mysuru Startup Ecosystem

Speaking on the occasion, Shiva Shankar, Chief Executive of SJCE-STEP, reaffirmed STEP’s commitment to nurturing innovation, mentoring founders and building industry linkages.

“Through initiatives like KAN, SJCE-STEP continues to power the entrepreneurial spirit of Mysuru — fostering startups that are not only innovation-driven but also impact-oriented, contributing to Karnataka’s growth as a multi-cluster innovation powerhouse.”