The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, DEC 1, 2022
Odisha MSME Minister Pratap Keshari Deb on Thursday said that over the years, the State has been pioneering path-breaking policies that have attracted significant innovation and investment in various industry sectors.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the thematic session hosted by Startup Odisha, the Minister said the aim of the State Government is to emerge as the leading start-up hub in the country through strategic partnerships, conducive investment, and favorable policies.
“Odisha has been recognized as ‘Top Performer’ state in the startup ranking 2021 and this is largely due to the inclusive approach and a conducive startup ecosystem. Over the last five years, we have built several world-class incubators and have created a large talent-pool of mentors,” he said.
Deb said Odisha has over a thousand successful startups, which are being mentored at around 25 incubators.
“The Government is keen to boost innovation among young people and has initiated several programs like startup Yatra 2.0 to motivate youngsters to innovate and fulfil their dreams,” the Minister said.
In his address, MSME Department Principal Secretary Saswat Mishra said that ‘Make in Odisha Conclave-2022’ is a unique opportunity to understand Odisha’s policy and regulatory environment, wherein a platform is provided for investors and potential manufacturers.
“The Government is open to policy change, even a complete overhaul of the existing start-up policy, if required, based upon the suggestions and requirements given by the startup ecosystem,” he said adding that the start-ups can play a huge part in creating job opportunities and in solving day to day problems of the society.
“Through Make in Odisha Conclave 2022, we are keen to encourage start-ups not only from the IT sector but other sectors as well to be creative and convert their ideas into tangible products. Through this conclave we aim to build the State of Odisha as a preferred destination for investment and maximize the technology and innovation potential by boosting the start-up ecosystem,” the Principal Secretary said.
Speaking about the growing start-up ecosystem in the State, Startup Odisha Executive Chairman Omkar Rai said ‘Make in Odisha Conclave 2022’ is the perfect platform for start-ups to interact with investors, mentors and leaders with Startup Odisha playing the role of an enabler, having set up 25 active incubators and supported 1434 start-ups since 2016 of which, 590 start-ups are led by women.
“We intend to give additional thrust to the startup ecosystem by granting better incentives to prospective entrepreneurs,” he added.
