Bhubaneswar- Odisha is stepping into a new era of technological advancement as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced plans to transform Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur into dynamic digital hubs, a move designed to position the state as a leading destination for innovation in the years to come. Speaking at the inaugural edition of the National Entrepreneurship Summit – TYCON Bhubaneswar 2025, the Chief Minister invited entrepreneurs from across the globe to join hands in shaping Odisha’s growth journey, emphasizing the state’s emerging leadership in global capability centres, chip design, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence research. He assured that Odisha would offer a welcoming environment that feels like a second home for innovators and investors while envisioning the state as the industrial capital of eastern India. Organised by TY Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the summit attracted over 500 delegates from India, Singapore, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, showcasing the state’s ambition to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Electronics and IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling highlighted Odisha’s pioneering status as the first state to adopt its own AI policy, with groundbreaking applications in agriculture and healthcare, including AI-based monitoring of coffee plantations in Koraput and upcoming projects to combat child malnutrition, reduce maternal mortality, and lower infant mortality rates. He also outlined the Odisha Semiconductor Policy and plans for a fintech centre in Bhubaneswar. The summit’s sessions explored opportunities in diverse sectors such as the blue economy, tourism, manufacturing, mining, and women’s entrepreneurship, alongside the launch of initiatives to foster innovation across all districts and nurture talent from a young age. A special AI Summit featured discussions on policy, leadership vision, data centres, skilling, and AI’s role in public services, with success stories from startups making their mark in drone technology, AI innovation, and creative enterprises. Strategic collaborations were formalised between state departments, IIT Bhubaneswar, and industry leaders to boost research, pilot projects, semiconductor development, and technical expertise. The conference concluded with awards honouring entrepreneurial excellence and ecosystem contributions, with TY Bhubaneswar Chairman Ayakant Mohanty affirming that the event had amplified Odisha’s global visibility and strengthened Bhubaneswar’s reputation as an emerging hub of innovation. The grand inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of senior government officials, parliamentarians, and international business leaders, all sharing a common vision of propelling Odisha towards a digitally empowered future.
