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.

SDM University is the first private university in the country that has incorporated digital assessments right from the time of its inception, where students write their exams on e-pads, making it easier for them. It is also highly accepted by the evaluator who perform the digital evaluation with "Zero Error Correction". In comparison to traditional procedures, the results are also announced quickly.The University's Chancellor is a visionary leader whose ambition was to establish an affordable Centre of Excellence in Medical Education and Healthcare for the people of North Karnataka. The University and its constituent institutions provide exceptional education and healthcare under the skilled leadership of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. The University provides a very conducive environment throughout the campus, with contemporary infrastructure, hostels and nutritional meals.