Bhubaneswar, September 3: The Odisha government has stressed strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem, with special focus on promoting tribal entrepreneurs and encouraging innovation among young people.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed the startup ecosystem at a meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan. She emphasised better coordination between government departments and startups, adoption of new technologies and greater opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Odisha has recognised 2,893 startups and 43 incubators under the Odisha Startup Policy-2016. Priority sectors include agritech, food processing, tourism, IT, AI and machine learning, semiconductors, healthcare, green technology, drones and the blue economy.
The meeting also reviewed financial support, incubation facilities, product development and marketing assistance. Additional support is available for startups led by women, transgender persons, ST, SC, SEBC and differently-abled entrepreneurs.
Special emphasis was placed on expanding startups in tribal areas through awareness programmes, dedicated incubators, financial assistance and greater access to government procurement and markets.
The government also highlighted the August 6 MoU with the Ministry of Tribal Affairsto strengthen tribal startups through funding, advanced technology and AI programmes, district-level infrastructure, loans, grants, employment and internship opportunities.
Officials also discussed bringing more educational institutions into the startup ecosystem, establishing new incubators and exploring international collaboration withTottori Prefecture of Japan.
