Bhubaneswar: The Utkarsh Odisha 2025 conclave has illuminated new pathways for Odisha’s economic growth, with a focused session, Odisha: A Rising Star in India’s Startup Landscape, marking a key milestone in the state’s ambition to become a hub for startups and entrepreneurship.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, serving as the session’s chief guest, called for a transformative shift in mindset from “doing jobs” to “providing jobs.” Highlighting the importance of robust investments in the startup sector, he emphasized, “Entrepreneurship holds the power to drive Odisha’s prosperity and pave the way for sustainable development.”
Fisheries and Livestock Development Minister Gokulanand Mallick echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in Odisha’s potential to significantly bolster India’s economy through its MSME sector. Urging industrialists to increase their investments in micro, small, and medium enterprises, he stated, “Odisha’s economic capabilities are ripe for transformation through the MSME sector.”
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj spotlighted the state’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, urging stakeholders to invest in emerging sectors like IT, food processing, tourism, and sports. Adding to this, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra noted that Odisha’s startup ecosystem is thriving, fueled by abundant natural resources, skilled talent, and progressive government policies.
A highlight of the session was the signing of nine landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key entities, including HDFC Bank, Hero MotoCorp, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), The Circle Founders Club, Oplus India Research and Development Private Limited (OPPO), Merstra Foundation, Transition Venture Capital (TVC), ACIC GIET University, and the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management. These agreements aim to stimulate growth across diverse sectors, such as finance, manufacturing, and technology.
The event also unveiled two significant publications: the quarterly newsletter Odyssey of Startups and the coffee table book From Tradition to Innovation, both chronicling Odisha’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
Subhendra Kumar Behera, President of CII Eastern Region, delivered a motivational address, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and calling for increased investments in Odisha’s startup ecosystem. “Odisha is poised to become a beacon of innovation and opportunity,” he remarked, inspiring attendees with his insights into business success.
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