Hub: Founding Shaper – Mysuru Hub
Company: SJCE-STEP
Ecosystem builder empowering startups and innovators in emerging India.
Chandrakanth is a startup ecosystem enabler. He currently heads Investments and Programs at SJCE-Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park (SJCE-STEP), one of Karnataka’s leading incubation centres supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
A former entrepreneur himself, Chandrakanth co-founded HackCulture, a innovation management company and Blue Bot White Dot, the world’s first marketing venture capital firm, where he led strategic operations and early-stage startup acceleration. Passionate about building grassroots innovation ecosystems, he works closely with early-stage founders, corporate leaders, government stakeholders, and investors to drive inclusive growth and catalyze high-impact entrepreneurship.
At SJCE-STEP, Chandrakanth has spearheaded programs that have supported deep-tech and science-led startups, facilitated access to non-dilutive grants and equity-based funds, and positioned Mysuru as a credible startup hub under Karnataka’s “Beyond Bengaluru” mission. He has judged over 100+ startup pitches, mentored cohort finalists of national competitions like TiE Global Pitchfest, and advised multiple funded startups across India and Europe.
He continues to work toward his vision of a world where every capable and hungry individual has an equal opportunity to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams—regardless of background or geography.
