State has recognised 2,097 startups: Minister
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha govt has recognised 2,097 startups and disbursed Rs 25.48 crore in incentives since the launch of Startup India in 2016, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) minister Gokulananda Mallik informed the state assembly on Wednesday.
Khurda district, which includes the capital city, leads with over 60% of the state’s startups, followed by Cuttack (148), Ganjam (89) and Balasore (43). Malkangiri district reported the lowest number with just one startup.
The state govt has provided comprehensive support to the startup ecosystem, including subsidised incubation facilities to 112 startups and travel allowances to 88 others for participating in national and international exhibitions. As many as 437 startups received need-based assistance, product development support, market access and monthly allowance grants.
O-Hub, the govt’s flagship incubation facility in Bhubaneswar, has supported 56 startups. The initiative includes weekly consultation meetings and engagement with over 100 appointed consultants.
The govt has identified 73 diverse sectors for startup promotion, ranging from laundry services to agricultural technology and handicrafts to e-vehicles. Support mechanisms include mentor connect events, outreach programs and investor connect activities.
“The govt’s focused approach and comprehensive support system signal a promising future for Odisha’s startup ecosystem, positioning the state as an emerging hub for entrepreneurial innovation,” the minister said.
In the state budget for 2025-26, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has earmarked Rs 25 crore under Odisha Startup Growth Fund to ensure capital inflow to state-registered startups at various levels and to enhance the potential of state-registered startups. The govt has made provision of Rs 60 crore for financial assistance to MSMEs under Startup Policy and welfare of MSME workers, besides Rs 50 crore to nurture tech startups in collaboration with academic institutions.
Last Feb, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Odisha will nurture 100 startups valued at Rs 100 crore each by 2036, coinciding with Odisha’s centenary year. Innovators feel the same is doable given the current pace. “To achieve this target, we need to create a pipeline of 10,000 startups,” Bodhisatwa Sanghapriya, founder of drone startup, IG Drones, said. “Realistically, about 1,000 will succeed, from which 100 can potentially reach the Rs 100 crore-mark.”
Khurda district, which includes the capital city, leads with over 60% of the state’s startups, followed by Cuttack (148), Ganjam (89) and Balasore (43). Malkangiri district reported the lowest number with just one startup.
The state govt has provided comprehensive support to the startup ecosystem, including subsidised incubation facilities to 112 startups and travel allowances to 88 others for participating in national and international exhibitions. As many as 437 startups received need-based assistance, product development support, market access and monthly allowance grants.
O-Hub, the govt’s flagship incubation facility in Bhubaneswar, has supported 56 startups. The initiative includes weekly consultation meetings and engagement with over 100 appointed consultants.
The govt has identified 73 diverse sectors for startup promotion, ranging from laundry services to agricultural technology and handicrafts to e-vehicles. Support mechanisms include mentor connect events, outreach programs and investor connect activities.
“The govt’s focused approach and comprehensive support system signal a promising future for Odisha’s startup ecosystem, positioning the state as an emerging hub for entrepreneurial innovation,” the minister said.
In the state budget for 2025-26, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has earmarked Rs 25 crore under Odisha Startup Growth Fund to ensure capital inflow to state-registered startups at various levels and to enhance the potential of state-registered startups. The govt has made provision of Rs 60 crore for financial assistance to MSMEs under Startup Policy and welfare of MSME workers, besides Rs 50 crore to nurture tech startups in collaboration with academic institutions.
Last Feb, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Odisha will nurture 100 startups valued at Rs 100 crore each by 2036, coinciding with Odisha’s centenary year. Innovators feel the same is doable given the current pace. “To achieve this target, we need to create a pipeline of 10,000 startups,” Bodhisatwa Sanghapriya, founder of drone startup, IG Drones, said. “Realistically, about 1,000 will succeed, from which 100 can potentially reach the Rs 100 crore-mark.”
