BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said Odisha will have 100 startups with a minimum turnover of Rs 100 crore each when it turns 100 in 2036.
In a fireside chat with startups, institutions, investors and ecosystem enablers on the eve of 100-Cube startup conclave, he said the country has developed a new culture and pace of research, innovation and entrepreneurship with no dearth of talent and ideas. “Odisha and eastern region of the country have many potential startups that can surprise the world. The startup conclave will be a catalyst in making innovation and entrepreneurship, a way of living. It will provide a broad canvas to our youth to leave a lasting imprint of their entrepreneurial talents and abilities,” he said.
The union minister said, eastern India, particularly a knowledge hub like Bhubaneswar has the solutions to the most complex challenges of the world. The conclave will act as a bridge between knowledge and 21st century opportunities. With this initiative, Bhubaneswar and Odisha can be developed as an epicentre of solution-centric start-ups that will give momentum to Purvoday, boost India’s growth trajectory and ensure global well-being, he said.
The 100-Cube startup conclave is a part of a grand vision to give greater momentum to the spirit of innovation and enterprise with IIT-Bhubaneswar as its anchor. The national institute will incubate and promote 100 start-ups across various sectors so that they can achieve the valuation of Rs 100 crore each in next one decade.
As part of the initiative that aims at accelerating the entrepreneurship drive and redefine the start-up ecosystem, the research and entrepreneurship park of the institute will be expanded from the current 20,000 sq feet area to 80,000 sq feet in next two years with a financial support of Rs 130 crore from the Ministry of Education. The minister will also officially inaugurate the 1,500-seater auditorium of IIT, Bhubaneswar and lay the e-foundation for infrastructure projects worth Rs 450 crore.