The Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Odisha's journey toward becoming a thriving startup hub. The event, hosted by Startup Odisha, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and investors to celebrate the state's burgeoning startup ecosystem and forge new partnerships to fuel economic growth.
The conclave witnessed the signing of nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent organizations, including HDFC Bank, Hero MotoCorp, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). These partnerships underscore the growing confidence in Odisha's potential as a hotbed for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon'ble Minister of Education, Government of India, praised Odisha's progress, stating, "Odisha's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation are truly inspiring. With initiatives like Startup Odisha, the state is fostering a dynamic ecosystem for startups to flourish."
Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon'ble Minister, Odisha Language Literature and Culture Department, emphasized the state's ambitious goals. "We envision attracting 100 startups by Odisha's centennial year," he announced. "We are committed to empowering our youth and positioning Odisha as a global leader in innovation."
Shri Gokulananda Malik, Hon'ble Minister for MSME, echoed this sentiment, adding, "Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 is a testament to our dedication to making Odisha a global startup destination. We are proud to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to connect and collaborate."
The conclave featured insightful panel discussions on topics such as "Odisha: A Land of Opportunities" and "Women in Innovation: The Future of Startup Evolution in Odisha." Industry leaders like Kunal Bahl, Co-founder of Snapdeal, and Bhaskar Majumdar, Co-founder of Unicorn India Ventures, shared their expertise and offered valuable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Startup Odisha Pavilion showcased 20 promising startups from diverse sectors, highlighting the breadth and depth of innovation in the state. These startups represent Odisha's potential to create groundbreaking solutions in fields ranging from technology and healthcare to agritech and sustainability.
The Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of startups. By fostering a supportive environment, encouraging collaboration, and empowering entrepreneurs.
