Bhubaneswar, Mar 13 (KNN) Odisha’s MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik informed the state assembly on Wednesday that the government has recognised 2,097 startups and disbursed Rs 25.48 crore in incentives since the launch of Startup India in 2016.
Khurda district, which includes the capital city Bhubaneswar, leads with over 60 percent of the state’s startups, while Cuttack (148), Ganjam (89), and Balasore (43) follow. Malkangiri district reported the lowest presence with just one startup.
The state government has implemented comprehensive support measures for the startup ecosystem, including subsidised incubation facilities for 112 startups and travel allowances for 88 others to participate in national and international exhibitions.
Additionally, 437 startups have received need-based assistance, product development support, market access, and monthly allowance grants.
O-Hub, the government’s flagship incubation facility in Bhubaneswar, has supported 56 startups through its initiatives, which include weekly consultation meetings and engagement with over 100 appointed consultants.
The government has identified 73 diverse sectors for startup promotion, ranging from laundry services to agricultural technology and handicrafts to e-vehicles.
“The government’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,” Minister Mallik stated.
In the state budget for 2025-26, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has allocated Rs 25 crore under the Odisha Startup Growth Fund to ensure capital inflow to state-registered startups at various levels and enhance their potential.
The government has also made provisions of Rs 60 crore for financial assistance to MSMEs under the Startup Policy and welfare of MSME workers, alongside Rs 50 crore to nurture tech startups in collaboration with academic institutions.
Last February, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that Odisha aims to nurture 100 startups valued at Rs 100 crore each by 2036, coinciding with the state’s centenary year.
Industry experts believe this target is achievable given the current growth trajectory.
“To achieve this target, we need to create a pipeline of 10,000 startups,” said Bodhisatwa Sanghapriya, founder of drone startup IG Drones. “Realistically, about 1,000 will succeed, from which 100 can potentially reach the Rs 100 crore-mark.”
(KNN Bureau)
