Make In Odisha Conclave set to fast-track start-up growth in state

Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: “Make in Odisha Conclave 2022” (MIO) slated to be held from November 30 to December 4 is inter alia expected to bolster innovation and expansion in the state’s start-up ecosystem with an aim to maximize investment and opportunities for start-ups in the state. The five-day event promises to be an effective platform to network, impart knowledge, forge partnerships and facilitate the growth of start-ups across sectors. Further, going by the conducive business climate in the state and backing from the government, start-ups beyond Odisha can weigh the prospect of setting up their businesses in Odisha. Startup Odisha will play a pivotal role at the MIO conclave and will be seen as an important step in the overall growth of the start-up ecosystem and economy of the state. The aim is to maximize investment in the State through innovative programs that showcase the start-up prowess of Odisha. Under the guidance of the Chief Minister Startup Odisha will continue to work towards making Odisha a preferred start-up hub of the country. The thematic session of Make in Odisha to be held at the plenary hall will be conducted by Startup Odisha with the theme ‘Start-ups’ Paradigm Shift and The Road Ahead’. Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha is expected to grace the event. The session will be conducted under the guidance of MSME Pratap Keshari Deb, Executive Chairman, Startup Odisha Dr.Omkar Rai, and Principal Secretary, MSME Saswata Mishra, Some of the best speakers, influencers, and leaders for the thematic session at MIO have been roped in to inspire and encourage the youth of the state to come up with innovative ideas and transform them into successful companies. Veteran Industry Leader Padma Bhushan Ajai Chowdhry, Co-Founder of HCL Technologies, who is credited with the revival of Electronic Manufacturing in India will be the Chief Guest for the inaugural session which will also be attended by industry leaders, unicorn founders, and others. They would include, Padmaja Ruparel, Founding Partner – IAN, Raj Mishra, Founder – Indea Capital, Shanti MohanCo-Founder & CEO –of Letsventure, Prem Parthasarathy, Managing Partner of PONTAQ, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Managing Partner – SEAFUND, Anil Joshi, Founder &Managing Partner – UNICORN India and UNICORN Founders like Vishal Chaudhary, Co-Founder –Zetwerk, Amarendra Sahu, Co-Founder –Nestaway, Rahul Dash, Co-Founder –Purplle, and Partha Dash, Managing Director –Moglix. Make in Odisha Conclave 2022, is poised to attract significant investment into the State, support start-ups, and thereby create multiple job opportunities. The conclave will provide a platform that would not only boost the start-up ecosystem but also enhance the contribution of various sectors such as agri-tech, food and beverages, healthcare, manufacturing, and non-IT start-ups towards the economic growth of the State. The state’s inclusive policies aim to attract investors and start-ups from across the country and abroad to consider Odisha as their preferred business destination. As part of the efforts to reach out to international audiences, the  Government has also partnered with Germany, Norway, and Japan to be part of the Make in Odisha 2022 Conclave. Day one of MIO will also witness two-panel discussions, which would include one by investors and one by UNICORNS. The panel discussion on Investors’ Outlook on Building Scalable Innovation” will witness the participation of investors such as IAN, Indea Capital, UNICORN India, SEAFUND, PONTAQ, and Lets Venture. The panel discussion will be moderated by Madhavan Narayan, Former Senior Editor of Hindustan Times, New Delhi. The second-panel discussion involving Unicorns titled “Entrepreneurship – Essence of New Odisha” will witness the participation of Unicorn startups such as Zetwerk, Nestaway, Purplle, and Moglix. will be moderated by Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, of Startup Odisha. While Make in Odisha 2022 is set to be an effective platform for networking, exchange of ideas, imbibing of knowledge, and signing of business deals, the government will also announce the signing of MOUs with various organizations. Monetary benefits to start-ups and incubators will also be announced. Another highlight of the day will be the announcement and distribution of the Startup Yatra Awards. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is also expected to unveil a unique coffee table book featuring fifty special start-ups of the State of Odisha.