Four problems worth the coast's attention.
Each area was chosen because it maps to what this region's economy and ecology actually need — agriculture, coastline, health access and a tourism economy in transition.
AgriTech, Rural Innovation & Blue Economy
Coastal Karnataka's economy runs on agriculture and fisheries — and both face real, solvable problems: post-harvest loss, cold-chain gaps, and market access for small and marginal producers.
What we're seeking
Farm-to-market logistics, aquaculture technology, post-harvest processing, and tools that work for small landholdings and fishing communities.
Sample problem statements
- Reducing post-harvest loss for perishable coastal produce like arecanut, cashew and spices
- Affordable cold-chain solutions for small fishing communities along the coast
- Direct market-access tools for marginal farmers in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi
- Sustainable aquaculture technology for shrimp and fish farming in coastal backwaters
- IoT-based water quality monitoring for coastal fisheries and aquaculture ponds
- Low-cost drying and preservation tech for small-scale fisherfolk
- Mangrove ecosystem restoration tools that create livelihood value
- Drone-based crop monitoring for spice plantations in the Western Ghats foothills
ClimateTech, Sustainability & Circular Economy
A coastline exposed to erosion and climate shocks, alongside a fast-growing construction and waste footprint, makes climate adaptation and circularity a regional necessity, not a trend.
What we're seeking
Coastal resilience tools, waste-to-value systems, and climate-adapted energy and building solutions.
Sample problem statements
- Coastal erosion monitoring and early-warning systems for fishing villages
- Waste-to-value systems for plastic and construction waste in coastal towns
- Climate-adapted, low-cost building materials using laterite and local resources
- Distributed renewable energy micro-grids for coastal and island communities
- Flood-resilient infrastructure design for low-lying coastal areas
- Biodegradable packaging alternatives using arecanut and coconut fibre waste
- Solar-powered water purification for coastal communities facing salinity intrusion
HealthTech, DeepTech & Inclusive Technology
Healthcare access thins out quickly past Mangaluru's urban core — a gap that affordable diagnostics and assistive technology can meaningfully close.
What we're seeking
Low-cost diagnostics, assistive devices, and technology that extends healthcare access into semi-urban and rural areas.
Sample problem statements
- Affordable diagnostic tools for primary health centres in rural talukas
- Assistive technology for elderly and differently-abled residents in coastal communities
- Telemedicine infrastructure for coastal and hill talukas with limited specialist access
- Maternal and child health monitoring tools for rural anganwadi workers
- AI-powered triage tools for overstretched rural health facilities
- Low-cost prosthetic and mobility devices using locally-manufactured components
Tourism, Culture & Creative Economy
Coastal Karnataka's temples, beaches, cuisine and craft traditions carry real economic potential that remains under-digitised and under-supported.
What we're seeking
Digital tools for tourism discovery, craft and heritage commercialisation, and creative-economy ventures rooted in local culture.
Sample problem statements
- Discovery and booking platforms for lesser-known coastal destinations beyond Mangaluru
- Digital market access for local artisans — Beedu, Kasuti embroidery and coastal crafts
- Heritage and temple tourism experience design for Tulunad and coastal pilgrim circuits
- Creator-economy tools for regional Tulu and Konkani culture and cuisine
- AI-powered multilingual guides for coastal Karnataka's heritage sites
- Sustainable tourism management tools for ecologically sensitive Western Ghats zones