About Us
dhaRti Foundation
The Dharwad Research and Technology Incubator Foundation, an innovation-driven initiative supported by IIT Dharwad. Our mission is to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement, enabling startups and innovators to transform cutting-edge research into scalable, market-ready solutions. DhaRTI serves as a catalyst for the region’s growing technology ecosystem, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers to thrive and create impactful solutions for society.
Our Vision
To be a world-class incubator that accelerates the commercialization of innovative technologies and nurtures entrepreneurial talent, with a focus on solving global challenges.
Our Mission
Nurture
innovation
Fueling startups with resources, mentorship, and infrastructure for growth and success.
Bridge
the gap
Fostering innovation through collaboration between industry, academia, and startups.
Support sustainable
entrepreneurship
Addressing key challenges in vital sectors like healthcare, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
Skill
development
Empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals with training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
We Support
Key Sectors
We nurture startups working on high-impact innovations across diverse sectors
Biosciences
Innovation
• Medical Technologies
• Biotechnology
• Healthcare Solutions
NewGen
Technologies
• Defence Technologies
• Industry 4.0
• Transportation & Mobility
Clean Energy
& Sustainability
• Clean Water & Sanitation Solutions
• Circular Economy
• Energy Efficiency & Smart Buildings
Sustainable Food
& Agriculture
• Nutrition: Personalized & Sustainable Diets
• Foodtech: Alternative Proteins & Traceability
• Agritech: Precision & Autonomous Farming
Our Journey
Founded with a vision to transform ideas into reality, dhaRti Foundation was established to support and nurture early-stage startups and innovations in the fields of technology, research, and development. The foundation’s journey began at IIT Dharwad, a hub of technical excellence and research, where we identified the need for a structured environment that could support entrepreneurs and innovators in bringing their solutions to market. Since its inception in 2022, dhaRti has played a key role in bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing resources, mentorship, and strategic support to emerging companies.
Today, dhaRti continues to be a dynamic incubator where ideas are nurtured, technologies are developed, and businesses are built. Through partnerships with academic institutions, corporate sponsors, and government bodies, we are creating an ecosystem that enables startups to grow, scale, and make a meaningful impact on society.
Board members
Board Members Driving Innovation
At IIT Dharwad and dhaRti Foundation, our team comprises visionary leaders, accomplished researchers, and experienced entrepreneurs who are committed to transforming ideas into impact. Together, we foster an environment of collaboration, creativity, and excellence, empowering startups and innovators to scale and succeed.
PROF. Venkappayya R. Desai
Chairman of BoD
PROF SR Mahadeva Prasanna
Board Director
Prof Anand Khusre
Board Director
Prof Rajkumar Hirwani
Board Director
Dr. Poyni Bhatt
Board Director
Dr. Krishna Kulkarni
Board Director
Shri Sanjeev Kumar Gupta
Board Director
Dr. Amar Gaonkar
Board Director
The Team
Catalyst for Change
Our team of researchers, entrepreneurs, mentors, and support staff at dhaRti Foundation is passionate about helping startups grow, scale, and thrive. With expertise spanning multiple industries—including biotech, clean energy, agritech, AI, and manufacturing—our team provides hands-on guidance and strategic direction to early-stage ventures.
Dr. Sudhanshu Shukla
PI, dhaRti BioNEST Incubation Center
Dr. Swananda Marathe
Co-PI dhaRti BioNEST Incubation Center
Mr. Rakshit Kalyani
Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Chetan Totad
Finance Manager
Mr. Malathesh L
Program Head
Miss. Pavithra M J
Administrative Assistant
Industry leaders
Advisors and Mentors
Mr. Shashidhar Shettar
Entrepreneur
Mr. Ajay Singh
Visiting Professor, Indian Railways Institute of Disaster Management, IRIDM
Dr. Vishwas Kaveeshwar
Associate Professor, Central Research Laboratory SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital
Dr. Basavaraj Hunagund
Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University
