In a world increasingly defined by digital intelligence and cybersecurity, a quiet revolution is underway—not in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Pune—but in Belagavi, a Tier-2 city in North Karnataka. From forensic analytics in African financial crime investigations to globally deployed embedded systems, Belagavi’s homegrown tech companies are making global waves with precision, passion, and purpose.
Cybersecurity from the Heartland: Shreshta IT and Prosoft
At the forefront is Shreshta IT, a cybersecurity and threat intelligence firm led by Swapneel Patnekar. Known for its proprietary solutions like DNS Shield, Watchtower, and TLD ThreatPulse, Shreshta’s tools proactively track over 50,000 phishing and malware-laden websites. Its clientele spans Indian Railways, the National Internet Exchange of India, and private enterprises like Chitale Dairy and CySeck.
“Preemptive threat mapping is our strength,” says Patnekar. The company also manufactures cost-effective cybersecurity hardware—VPNs and enterprise firewalls—positioning itself as a competitive alternative to Western solutions.
Just a few kilometers away, Prosoft Systems operates from a modest 2BHK office, but with an outsized impact. Celebrating 25 years in business, the firm supplies forensic and data analytics tools used by enforcement agencies including the NIA, ED, ACB, and CBI. Its C5 CDR Analyzer is a mainstay in cybercrime investigations across Karnataka.
“We enable fast, data-driven decisions in complex criminal investigations,” says Mohsin Dalayat, CEO. Backed by ISO 9001:2015 certification, Prosoft also contributes to capacity-building via workshops for law enforcement.
Hardware Innovation on Local Streets: Dharmadasani Networks
For George Mason alumnus Hitesh Dharmadasani, a morning walk in Belagavi sparked an idea that would challenge global networking giants. His firm now builds high-grade routers and firewalls used by clients like BARC, NTPC, and Delhi Police. During the pandemic, his team supported district war rooms with vital data analytics.
“We compete with U.S. and Israeli firms while working out of Belagavi,” says Dharmadasani, whose lean team of 40 engineers has created solutions trusted by India’s top defense and intelligence bodies.
Deep Tech and Patents: Vayavya Labs and More
Vayavya Labs, led by R.K. Patil, is a global player in embedded systems, software-defined vehicles, and digital twins. The company holds multiple patents and serves leading automotive and semiconductor firms.
Meanwhile, serial entrepreneur Ajit Patil, who started with high-speed internet services, now manufactures RIVOT electric scooters, advancing India’s EV ecosystem from Belagavi.
Scaling Innovation Across Sectors
Belagavi’s startup ecosystem is broad and vibrant:
- Ajinkya Technologies, under Amey Kadle, recently partnered with Samsung to provide mobile software solutions. With a presence in Bengaluru and Pune, it delivers smart industrial automation platforms across India, the U.S., and Germany.
- SenseGiz, founded by Abhishek Latthe, builds IoT-powered real-time tracking systems for predictive maintenance and industrial safety, serving manufacturing giants globally.
- EcoBillz, by Amit Patil, uses AI to digitize traditional workflows across hospitality, healthcare, and finance.
- Ahava Solutions, a financial KPO run by Rushiraj Deshpande and Rahul Patel, is helping African businesses streamline financial operations with culturally adaptive services.
- AKXA Tech, helmed by Dr. Raghuraj Rao, provides process intelligence tools for the mineral industry, with projects in 13 countries.
Healthcare, Aerospace, and Robotics—All from Belagavi
- AJR Curevibes, founded by Dr. Akash Gadgade, blends medtech and edtech to reform clinical training in India.
- Sarus Aerospace, from Rahul Patil, is developing indigenous drone platforms including VTOL and modular multirotor systems in collaboration with VTU.
- Evobi Automations, with CTO Sandeep Patil, is creating educational robotics products that merge hardware, software, and cloud.
Digital Infrastructure and Financial Tech
- Alphasure Accountants (Onkar Marathe) provides international financial consulting across Canada, UAE, UK, and USA.
- BTP Infoserve, led by Tushar Patil, is one of North Karnataka’s largest healthcare-focused BPOs with 200+ staff.
- Outofbox Cloud (Ajit Patil) is Belagavi’s first public cloud service provider, promoting affordable and secure “Make in India” infrastructure.
- Fortune Infoserve and MV Solutions are transforming core banking and ERP implementation for cooperatives and SMEs.
Startups Driving Niche Innovations
- Deltasys E-Forming builds industrial-grade 3D printers and CNC routers.
- DESILLM, co-founded by Kawal Arora and Dr. Savita Bastawadi, is exploring generative AI for multilingual and creative computing.
- DoorTaq is digitizing hyperlocal commerce.
- Dattamsh Edtech trains future engineers in AI and Data Science.
- WeTrunk IT, Shrigeet Solutions, Sophon Technologies, Theta Dynamics, and Zenigma Labs are all innovating in SaaS, embedded systems, automotive software, cybersecurity, and industrial automation.
From Biotechnology to Business Intelligence
- Vigilomics Biosciences, co-founded by the Kulgod family, is blending AI with canine-assisted early cancer detection.
- Reputes Business Solutions (Supreet Dixit) provides AI-based marketing automation tools with a global footprint.
- Samhita Engineering, based in Sankeshwar, designs robust software for safety-critical applications.
A Culture of Balance and Belonging
Most Belagavi-based founders cite quality of life, affordability, and access to talent as key advantages. “Our entire team was able to return to the office within 15 minutes of an unannounced visit by the Police Commissioner,” recalls Swapneel Patnekar. “Only possible in a city like Belagavi.”
From Policy to Practice: BeTCA and Beyond Bengaluru
The Belagavi Technology Companies Association (BeTCA) is playing a vital role in shaping the region’s startup ecosystem. With mentorship programs, joint ventures with legacy industries, and engagement with policymakers, BeTCA is positioning Belagavi for sustained growth.
With Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) headquartered in Belagavi, the potential for research-to-market acceleration is immense. The Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF) has launched incubation efforts aimed at translating academic breakthroughs into commercial ventures.
Belagavi may not yet dominate headlines like Bengaluru or Pune, but its entrepreneurs are building quietly—and globally. From cyber forensics and secure networking to embedded systems and AI-driven healthcare, Belagavi’s tech community is proving that vision, innovation, and execution don’t require a pin on the metro map.
Small town. Big vision. Global impact.
Source: BeTCA, The Hindu