On July 23, 2026, in Mangaluru, the AIC Nitte Incubation Centre achieved a significant milestone with three of its incubated startups being selected for the prestigious Grassroots Innovator Recognition 2026. The centre, promoted by Nitte Education Trust in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission and located at NMAM Institute of Technology, has Akshay Mashelkar of Experimind Labs Pvt. Ltd., Anusha Prajwal of MaVedas Foods and Cereals Pvt. Ltd., and Rathnakar Naik of WWR Innovations Pvt. Ltd. among the 26 innovators from across India to be felicitated by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on July 31, 2026. These innovators have made significant contributions towards solving grassroots challenges through innovation, addressing real-life challenges faced by farmers, rural communities, and local entrepreneurs. The centre has supported over 137 startups across various sectors and created opportunities for students to engage with startups, strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. One of the selected innovators, Rathnakar Naik, developed a wireless water management solution, while Anusha Prajwal revived traditional Ayurvedic nutritional practices, and Akshay Mashelkar promoted experiential STEM education. The selection of three innovators from a single incubation centre marks a significant achievement for AIC Nitte Incubation Centre and Karnataka’s startup ecosystem.
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📰 Source: Mangalore Today