A State on the Move
Odisha is steadily reinventing itself as a hub for innovation, technology, and inclusive development. With its ambitious Vision Odisha 2036 and alignment to Developed India 2047, the state is pursuing a balanced growth strategy—blending industrial expansion with digital transformation. This vision took a significant leap forward as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled plans to establish four cutting-edge digital hubs across Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur, signalling Odisha’s intent to emerge as the innovation capital of eastern India.
The Digital Hub Push: Significance and Scope
The proposed digital hubs aim to catalyse growth in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, fintech, blockchain, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). These centres are envisioned not just as business ecosystems, but as integrated innovation clusters that nurture startups, foster research partnerships, and drive high-skilled employment. According to CM Majhi, these hubs will offer entrepreneurs “a second home,” promising infrastructure, policy support, and global collaboration opportunities.
TYCON Bhubaneswar 2025: A Platform for Innovation
The announcement came during the inaugural National Entrepreneurship Summit – TYCON Bhubaneswar 2025, jointly organised by TiE Bhubaneswar and the Government of Odisha. The two-day gathering drew more than 500 delegates from India, Singapore, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, becoming a melting pot of ideas and cross-border partnerships.
Electronics & IT and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling spotlighted Odisha’s pioneering AI policy—the first in the country—and highlighted its practical applications, from AI-based monitoring of coffee plantations in Koraput to AI-driven health interventions combating malnutrition and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. He also outlined the Odisha Semiconductor Policy and announced plans for a dedicated Fintech Centre in Bhubaneswar.
Key Discussions and Launches
The summit’s first day covered diverse growth avenues including the blue economy, tourism, manufacturing, mining, and women’s entrepreneurship. Several new initiatives were unveiled:
· Voice of Entrepreneurship – amplifying the stories of innovators.
· Ty Women 100 – empowering women-led startups.
· Entrepreneurship Odisha – extending entrepreneurial resources to all 314 districts.
Day two was marked by an AI Summit focusing on AI Policy 2025, data centre expansion, skill development, and AI for public services. Startups such as IG Drones, Mythika, and Skyrider showcased breakthrough innovations, while an AI Masterclass by Satyakam Mohanty drew enthusiastic participation.
Strategic MoUs to Power the Ecosystem
Several high-impact Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event:
· Dept. of Electronics & IT with IIT Bhubaneswar for research collaboration, pilot projects, and ecosystem growth.
· OCAC with Semiconductor Fabless Accelerator Lab for the O-chip program.
· ESC Odisha with Hitachi MGRM for advanced technical cooperation.
· TiE Bhubaneswar with multiple incubation centres to expand startup networks across the state.
These agreements are expected to strengthen Odisha’s technology ecosystem and fast-track the growth of its digital economy.
Building the Future, Today
As the summit concluded with awards for top entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers, TiE Bhubaneswar Chairman Ayakant Mohanty affirmed that Odisha has proven its global potential. The blueprint laid out under Vision Odisha 2036 promises more than just infrastructure—it’s about shaping a thriving digital society.
By committing to world-class hubs in Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur, Odisha is not merely keeping pace with India’s digital transformation—it is setting the standard for how states can blend technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth to drive a prosperous future.
(With agency inputs)
