Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 9: The Department of MBA, Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce & Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore successfully organized PITCHIONIX 2026, an intra-department innovation and business pitching event, on 07 April 2026 at the Seminar Hall, Balmatta Campus, Mangaluru. Organized under the theme “Where Innovation Meets Execution,” the event served as a vibrant platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas, entrepreneurial thinking, and practical business solutions.
The event was designed to promote innovation, entrepreneurial mindset, teamwork, creativity, and execution-oriented learning among students. It offered a valuable opportunity for participants to present their concepts in a competitive yet academically enriching environment and receive expert feedback on the practicality and relevance of their ideas.
The programme was graced by Soumya, manager – Incubation, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), and Dr Parameshwar R. Hegde, assistant professor, YIASCM, Department of Computer Science, who served as the guest of honour and jury members for the entire event. Their presence added immense value to the programme, and their active involvement in evaluating the presentations brought both academic and practical insights to the competition.
During her interaction with the students, Soumya highlighted the importance of incubation support in transforming innovative ideas into practical and sustainable ventures. She emphasized that many student ideas have strong potential, and with the right mentorship, incubation ecosystem, and institutional support, such concepts can be developed into impactful startups and meaningful entrepreneurial initiatives. Her address encouraged students to look beyond classroom presentations and consider their ideas as future opportunities for innovation and enterprise.
In the valedictory session, Dr Parameshwar R Hegde shared practical guidance with the participants and encouraged them to adopt a more structured and research-oriented approach while developing their ideas. He stressed the importance of conducting a proper survey, understanding the needs of the target audience, and seeking guidance from subject experts to improve the feasibility and implementation value of their projects. His suggestions offered students a realistic perspective on how to strengthen their concepts before taking them forward.
A special highlight of the event was the motivational address delivered by Prof Niyaz Panakaje, coordinator of Yenepoya Research Centre for Finance and Entrepreneurship Development (YEN-REFINED) & Department of MBA, YIASCM, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore who inspired students to believe in the strength of their ideas and encouraged them to pursue innovation with confidence and commitment. He also assured students that he would extend support in helping them connect with incubation facilities so that promising ideas could be taken forward in a more structured and practical manner. His words added significant encouragement and strengthened the entrepreneurial spirit of the participants.
A total of 28 groups participated enthusiastically in PITCHIONIX 2026, presenting their ideas across four thematic areas: Operations & Supply Chain Management, Sustainability & Environment Management, Marketing and Investment Track, and Technology, AI & Data Analytics. The event witnessed energetic participation, innovative thinking, and healthy competition among students.
The participating teams presented a wide range of concepts including startup ideas, socially relevant innovations, technology-enabled solutions, market-based proposals, and practical business models. The jury evaluated the presentations based on key criteria such as innovation, originality, clarity, feasibility, teamwork, and implementation potential.
The jury members appreciated the creativity, confidence, and quality of effort demonstrated by the students and encouraged them to further refine their ideas for future development. Their feedback motivated participants to focus not only on ideation but also on execution, validation, and real-world applicability.
The programme was effectively coordinated under the guidance of Mr. Akash S, Associate Professor, Department of MBA, and Dr. Vinay Raj, Professor, Department of MBA, whose planning, supervision, and support ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the event.
The contribution of the student coordinators and volunteers was also highly commendable. Their active support in event planning, participant coordination, logistics, technical arrangements, and overall management played a crucial role in the seamless execution of the programme. Their commitment and teamwork significantly contributed to the success of the event.
At the conclusion of the event, the best-performing teams were recognized for their outstanding performance. In Operations & Supply Chain Management, the Winner was Mohammed Kasib, Abhirami M. A., and Jessin Mirshad; the First Runner-Up was Shujan P. R., Rithesh H. H., Akhilesh K., and Mohit K; and the Second Runner-Up was Nived Sugesh K., Chippi Prabhakaran, and Abdul Sinan.
In Sustainability & Environment Management, the winner was Mohammed Basil, Jishnu A. J., Mohammed Alensha, Muhammed Shifaz, and Athul Babu N; the First Runner-Up was Shanif Abubakar, Fathima Rida, Ashik Sudheer, Mohammed Thasreef, and Mashhora M. C.; and the Second Runner-Up was Tushar Jain M. A., Irfaz Ahamad, Ziya Ameer, and Hunefa Urooj Mansoor.
In the Marketing and Investment Track, the winner was Krupa Maria Rosario, Ameesha C. P., Muhammed Junaid, Mohammed Rizwan, and Nandana N. P., while the First Runner-Up position was secured by Muhammed Jameer Hanan, Shamshad K. P., Muhaniz K. P., Fathima Rishana C., and Misna Fathima.
In Technology, AI & Data Analytics, the Winner was Nihal I. A., Fathima Farzana P. E., Sahana Sherin T. V., Raja Ahmed Raza, and Saneesha; the First Runner-Up was Ahmed Afnan Hussain, Muhammed Arhaan, Sabha, Aysha Taniya Shaikk, and Safana K. A.; and the Second Runner-Up was Mohammed Ramil, Mohammed Adil, Risha Sulthana, Haleema Al Saadiah, Arakkal Ahmad Nahid, Aghina Rose, Fathimath Thaabsheera, Asbal Mohyudheen, and Thasni Mujeeb.
PITCHIONIX 2026 concluded on a highly positive and inspiring note, reflecting the department’s commitment to promoting innovation, practical learning, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence. The event successfully lived up to its theme, “Where Innovation Meets Execution,” and provided students with a valuable platform to dream, design, and present ideas with confidence and purpose.