Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM University) was formed on October 19, 2018 as a State Private University of Karnataka State in Sattur, Dharwad, under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Act.

The University has been sponsored by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational (SDME) Society, Ujire, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, a premier non-profit Educational Society. This Society operates under the auspices of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala and under the excellent Leadership of Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, the Chancellor of the University. Dr. Niranjan Kumar, a well-known plastic surgeon, is the first Vice Chancellor of the University.