Coastal Startup Spark, a flagship student business idea competition, will be hosted as part of the Coastal Startup Fest 2026 at Fiza by Nexus Mall, Mangaluru, on January 31 and February 1, 2026. This initiative aims to inspire creativity and entrepreneurial thinking among college students from the Mangaluru–Udupi region, providing them with a high-impact platform to showcase innovative business ideas, address real-world challenges, and connect with the broader startup ecosystem.

The competition features a three-stage process: online submission, preliminary pitching on Day 1, and a Grand Finale on Day 2 before a panel of industry experts, investors, and mentors. Finalists will compete for cash prizes worth ₹1,00,000, trophies, and six months of structured mentorship from AIC-NITTE, focusing on product development, market strategy, and fundraising support.

Beyond the competition, participants will gain exposure to investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and startup ecosystem enablers, fostering valuable networks, entrepreneurial skills, and confidence. The Fest envisions positioning the Mangaluru–Udupi corridor as a vibrant hub for student innovation and entrepreneurship.