Bhubaneshwar
Odisha has potential to excel in start-ups in view of its strength in educational infrastructure and skill development, according to Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan.
Speaking at a plenary session on start-ups in Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 which began here on Tuesday, Pradhan said Odisha was on its way to celebrate two centenaries – completion of 100 years of Orissa State formation in 1936 and 100 years of Indian Independence in 1947.
The ‘Double Engine’ government in the State was towards facilitating the start-up ecosystem and the state should have 100 start-up with ₹100 crore turnover each, the Union Minister said.
“We need to create a new ecosystem and must facilitate a policy of growth. The challenge is creation of a circular economy,” Pradhan said.
The State Government would come up with a new start-up policy soon, he added.
Citing the example the Silcon Valley, which combined innovation and ecosystem for technological advancement, he said Odisha had potential for nurturing many start-ups over next two decades.
Odisha had a long history of trade and industry with locational advantage of being on the eastern region of the country and it was time again for knowledge economy and new ideas in 21st century, Pradhan said.
The three – day conclave is being attended by over 500 industry delegates, including more than 100 from abroad. Singapore, Australia and Malaysia are leading discussions and collaborations, while delegations from countries such as Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, UK, USA, and Nepal etc have also been lined up.
The Make in Odisha Expo, featuring nearly 150 exhibitors, will showcase innovative products and will also be opened to the general public on January 30.