FKCCI to act as Anchor Partner for Wadhwani Accelerate, expanding access to growth support across Karnataka
National 2026: The National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN), supported by Wadhwani Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) to create outreach opportunities for 1,000+ growth-stage enterprises and MSMEs across Karnataka through the Wadhwani Accelerate Program. FKCCI, an apex chamber of commerce in the state, will act as NEN’s Anchor Partner under the one-year agreement.
What Is the NEN–FKCCI Collaboration?
NEN and FKCCI have signed a one-year MoU to connect growth-stage enterprises in Karnataka with the Wadhwani Accelerate Program. The partnership aims to reach more than 1,000 growth-stage enterprises and MSMEs across the state.
Under the MoU, FKCCI will serve as an Anchor Partner for NEN in Karnataka. It will use its member network, affiliated associations, sector councils, regional chapters and wider ecosystem to identify eligible businesses and connect them with the program.
What Is the Wadhwani Accelerate Program?
Wadhwani Accelerate is designed for enterprises with annual revenue of ₹25 crore or more, a clear growth opportunity and the intent to execute their next phase of scale.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is meant for enterprises that have ₹25 crore+ in annual revenue, a defined growth opportunity and a commitment to act on it.
What Support Do Selected Enterprises Receive?
- A dedicated Venture Partner
- Business diagnostics
- A structured growth plan
- Execution support, including a fully funded 90-day growth sprint focused on achieving a tangible business outcome
How NEN and FKCCI Will Build the Enterprise Pipeline
NEN and FKCCI will jointly conduct a series of engagements to build a strong pipeline of eligible enterprises across Karnataka.
Planned Activities
- Knowledge sessions
- Growth ideation workshops
- CEO roundtables
- Growth workshops
FKCCI’s Statewide Reach
The partnership will leverage FKCCI’s network of 135 Trade and Industry Associations and 26 District Chambers of Commerce. This gives the program access to businesses across Karnataka.
What Leaders Said
Vishal Chaddha, EVP, Wadhwani Accelerate, NEN
Vishal Chaddha said, “Karnataka has a strong base of ambitious enterprises with the potential to scale faster, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to economic growth. Through this collaboration with FKCCI, we want to help growth-stage businesses identify their most important growth opportunities and, critically, execute against them. Wadhwani Accelerate combines dedicated Venture Partner support, diagnostics, growth planning, expert guidance and focused execution sprints to help businesses translate growth ambition into measurable outcomes.”
Uma Reddy, President, FKCCI
Uma Reddy said, “This partnership with NEN will help strengthen Karnataka’s MSME ecosystem by giving growth-stage enterprises access to structured support, expert guidance and practical business tools. We believe this collaboration will help businesses expand into new markets, prioritise execution and build stronger growth plans.”
T. Sairam Prasad, President-Elect, FKCCI
- Sairam Prasad added, “FKCCI is committed to supporting enterprises across Karnataka. Through this collaboration, we look forward to enabling more eligible MSMEs to access Wadhwani Accelerate and move towards their next phase of scale.”
Why This Partnership Matters for Karnataka’s MSMEs
The collaboration brings together FKCCI’s extensive enterprise network and NEN’s structured growth and execution support. Together, they aim to help Karnataka-based businesses scale, strengthen competitiveness and create jobs.
For eligible growth-stage enterprises, the next step is to connect with FKCCI or its affiliated associations and chambers to learn more about participating in Wadhwani Accelerate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEN–FKCCI MoU about?
It is a one-year agreement under which FKCCI acts as Anchor Partner for NEN in Karnataka, helping connect 1,000+ growth-stage enterprises and MSMEs with the Wadhwani Accelerate Program.
Who can apply for Wadhwani Accelerate?
The program is designed for enterprises with ₹25 crore+ annual revenue, a clear growth opportunity and the intent to execute their next phase of scale.
What is the 90-day growth sprint?
It is a fully funded execution sprint, part of the support selected enterprises receive, focused on achieving a tangible business outcome.
How will FKCCI reach Karnataka’s businesses?
Through its 135 Trade and Industry Associations, 26 District Chambers of Commerce, sector councils and regional chapters.