An innovation centre built for the coast, not imported to it.
Established under the Atal Community Innovation Centre programme, hosted at Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management, Mangaluru.
Our Story
ACIC Sahyadri was not built overnight. It grew from a belief that meaningful innovation begins with understanding the problems around us. Long before ACIC Sahyadri was established, Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management was already building a culture of innovation, encouraging students, faculty and communities to identify real-world challenges and develop practical solutions. The Sahyadri Centre for Social Innovation, established in 2016, brought students closer to challenges in agriculture, fisheries, healthcare, education and the environment.
Over time, this evolved into a wider ecosystem through initiatives such as SHINE – Sahyadri Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Foundation, New Age Innovation Network (NAIN), project support programmes, innovation clubs, makerspaces and incubation activities. As the ecosystem grew, so did the ambition — to create opportunities not just for students, but also for grassroots innovators, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, researchers and communities across Coastal Karnataka.
This vision found a significant opportunity through the Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) programme of Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Government of India. Sahyadri was selected to establish an Atal Community Innovation Centre, bringing dedicated support, resources and innovation opportunities closer to communities and emerging innovators. Today, ACIC Sahyadri continues this journey by connecting ideas, people and opportunities to create solutions that can make a meaningful impact.
Vision & Mission
A coastal Karnataka where every innovator regardless of degree, capital or address has a real path from idea to impact.
To provide grassroots innovators, students and early-stage founders across coastal Karnataka with the infrastructure, mentoring and funding pathways to turn ideas into ventures that serve the region first.
Why Coastal Karnataka
Agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, healthcare access, and a large diaspora economy define both the region's opportunities and its current gaps. Because national innovation infrastructure has historically clustered around major metropolitan areas, ACIC Sahyadri was established specifically to change that dynamic for the coast.
Agriculture & allied livelihoods
Fisheries & the blue economy
Biodiversity & the Western Ghats
Healthcare access in semi-urban and rural areas
Education & skilling
A large diaspora economy seeking home-region investment
Karnataka?Six regional strengths shaping meaningful innovation.
Who We Serve
Connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and communities to shape the future of coastal Karnataka.
