Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s entrepreneurial landscape, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has unveiled a visionary plan to establish 100 start-ups with a turnover of Rs 100 crore each by the state’s centenary year in 2036. The announcement was made during a fireside chat at the prelude event to the inauguration of the 100 Cube Start-up Conclave held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar.
Highlighting the crucial role of Odisha’s youth in shaping India’s future as it approaches its 100th year of Independence in 2047, Minister Pradhan emphasized the pivotal contribution of institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar in nurturing the state’s talent pool. “Our target is to mint 100 start-ups with 100 crore-plus turnover by 2036. The 100 Cube event by IIT Bhubaneswar is envisioned for this purpose. Together we will create a culture of entrepreneurship in India,” he affirmed.
Underlining the remarkable growth of India’s start-up ecosystem during the Narendra Modi government’s tenure, Minister Pradhan noted a significant increase in the number of start-ups from a few thousand to over one lakh since 2014. He highlighted the widespread tech innovation across economically disadvantaged regions, crediting the collaborative efforts of academia, start-ups, and industries in addressing the country’s skill gap.
Moreover, Minister Pradhan hailed the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya as a unifying force for the nation, asserting its celebration in Odisha as well. He emphasized that India’s talent pool thrives in areas where the quest for solutions is most profound, underscoring the collective endeavor to bridge the skill gap in the country.
This ambitious initiative reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Odisha. By setting lofty targets for the start-up ecosystem, the state aims to cultivate an environment conducive to innovation, job creation, and economic development.
Minister Pradhan’s remarks come at a pivotal moment when India’s start-up ecosystem is gaining momentum and global recognition. The endeavor to nurture 100 high-growth start-ups with substantial turnovers underscores Odisha’s aspirations to emerge as a prominent player in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. With concerted efforts and strategic initiatives, Odisha is poised to unlock its full potential and lead the way in India’s journey towards economic prosperity and innovation-driven growth.
