Startup Odisha Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs with ‘Udyami Nari’ on International Women’s Day

Bhubaneswar: To mark International Women’s Day, Startup Odisha organized a special event, “Udyami Nari,” at O-Hub, bringing together women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and aspiring businesswomen to celebrate innovation and resilience. The event aimed to provide a platform for women-led startups, offering insights on investment, leadership, and business growth.

Chief guest Dr. Sucheta Priyabadini, Ma Rama Devi Chair Professor at Rama Devi Women’s University, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of women’s empowerment in entrepreneurship. Actor, singer, and angel investor Pinky Pradhan, along with MasterChef Season 6 finalist and entrepreneur Smriti Shree Singh, shared their experiences and perspectives as guests of honour, reflecting on the evolving role of women in business.

Speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary of the MSME Department and Chief Administrative Officer of Startup Odisha, Kamaljit Das, highlighted the significance of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and innovation. He reiterated that Startup Odisha is committed to creating an ecosystem where women-led startups can thrive with the right mentorship, market access, and funding opportunities. The event took place across four venues and witnessed participation from government officials, startup mentors, and industry leaders, including Chief Financial Officer of Startup Odisha, Prafulla Mallick, along with senior officials Panigrahi, Shivankit Das, Ajay Kumar Dash, and Soumya Ranjan Panda, who reaffirmed the Odisha government’s commitment to fostering a strong and inclusive startup culture.

UNDP Country Head Ava Mishra spoke about Sustainable Development Goals and the role of the United Nations Development Programme in empowering women entrepreneurs. AVP of Hindalco, Dr. Lopamudra Priyadarshi, addressed confidence and leadership challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. Dr. Anita Sawat, Founder and Managing Trustee of Odita Trust, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, education, and the significance of the GI (Geographical Indications) tag in boosting business growth.

The event also provided a platform for inspiring success stories of women entrepreneurs in Odisha. Akanksha Priyadarshini, Founder of Aurassure Private Limited, shared her journey in building a successful women-led startup. Jayanti Mohapatra, Founder of Manikstu Agro Private Limited, discussed her work in grassroots innovation and how her venture is transforming the agricultural sector. Minushree Madhumita, Founder of Think India Private Limited, reflected on her experience as a social entrepreneur and the challenges of creating a meaningful impact.

A key highlight of the event was the Investor and Market Connections session, which provided valuable insights on investment, branding, and financial strategies for women entrepreneurs. Neha Malhotra, Head of MeritX Ventures and an angel investor, conducted a session on effective pitching, helping startups understand how to attract investors. Sony Samal, Co-Founder of 72DPI Skills, led a discussion on branding strategies, guiding entrepreneurs on how and when to invest in branding for long-term business growth.