Why Bolpu Matters
The Opportunity
Mangaluru has always been home to quiet ambition entrepreneurs who build steadily, who hold on to tradition while adapting to change, and who understand their markets better than most. From coastal trades to emerging technologies, the region has no shortage of ideas or talent. What’s often missing is visibility, backing, and a network that helps those ideas grow beyond local limits.
What is Bolpu?
Bolpu which means light or day in Tulu is a five-year initiative led by the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada Capt. Brijesh Chowta. It supports entrepreneurs ready to take the next leap whether that means scaling a steady business, entering a new market, or bringing a bold idea to life with regional relevance at its core.
Bolpu is a bold five-year initiative by the Hon’ble Member of Parliament to revive this spirit by nurturing 50 or more deserving transformative entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs will build impactful businesses that uplift communities, promote local heritage, and showcase Mangaluru globally through innovation and sustainable growth. More than a program, Bolpu is a movement to revive enterprise and give voice to the district’s silent stories.
Program Summary
Bolpu is a 1-year accelerator program specially designed to empower startups and early-stage ventures based in Mangaluru. The program offers a complete support ecosystem funding, mentorship, market access, and ongoing advisory to help entrepreneurs build, launch, and scale innovative products and services that can thrive locally and expand nationally and globally.
Indicative Themes:
Coastal Cuisine & Seafood Processing
Coastal Tourism & Eco-Tourism
Handicrafts & Artisanal Crafts
Handloom & Textile Production
Sustainable Architecture & Construction
Fisheries & Marine Technology
Ayurveda & Wellness
Organic Farming & Agri-Tech
Local Language and Media Creators
Information Technology, Bio Technology & Digital Solutions
Others (open category for emerging and unlisted sectors)
4D Strategy
At the heart of it lies the Bolpu Strategy a 4-stage approach that identifies, empowers, and launches entrepreneurial talent from even the remotest parts of Mangaluru. Each stage of Bolpu is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and propel them toward scalable success rooted in local identity and global relevance.
Who is this for?
Early/mid-stage and emerging entrepreneurs who are based in or deeply connected to Mangaluru, work in sectors tied to the region’s cultural and economic identity identified by themes of the cohort, have a product, service, or solution with the potential for growth and impact and are looking for mentorship, visibility, market access, and financial guidance to scale their venture.
Who Can Apply?
We’re looking for early and mid-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to scale, break new ground, or expand into new markets with roots in Mangaluru and a clear commitment to building businesses that matter.
Personal Eligibility
- Be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Be based in Mangaluru or have a demonstrable connection to the region (origin, impact area, or active operations)
- Be available to actively participate in a year-long program (in-person and online sessions)
Startup Eligibility
- You are a founder or co-founder of an existing venture (idea, prototype, early revenue, or scaling phase)
- Your idea or startup has early traction, a working prototype, or a defined customer base
- you're a traditional business with a clear plan to scale or enter a new market
Other Considerations
- First-time and repeat founders are welcome
- No prior investment is required, but early revenue or piloting helps
- Preference is given to startups with a social, cultural, or regional impact angle