The first ever state level Innovation and Startup Competition was inaugurated at Rama Devi Women’s University on Friday with the participation of 72 students from 14 universities across Odisha. The two day competition is being organised jointly for the first time by the Odisha government’s Higher Education Department and the Odisha State Higher Education Council with the aim of promoting innovation entrepreneurship and research culture among students.

Health and Family Welfare Electronics and Information Technology and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling inaugurated the event. He visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with the participating students to understand their innovative ideas research initiatives and startup projects.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Mahaling said the competition would play a significant role in nurturing creativity among students and strengthening the startup ecosystem in Odisha. He added that such initiatives encourage students to move beyond textbook based learning and engage in advanced research innovation and entrepreneurship which ultimately contributes to societal development and economic growth.

The competition follows a rigorous multi tier selection process. College level competitions were conducted first followed by university level rounds. Outstanding performers from the university level competitions qualified to participate in the state level event.

At the state level competition ten best startup projects will be selected. Each selected project will receive financial assistance of Rs five lakh from the Higher Education Department. The winning teams will also be provided mentorship support and access to facilities for advanced research to help transform their ideas into sustainable startups.

During the event students showcased their startup projects across nine major categories including agriculture and rural development health food and nutrition fashion and handloom artificial intelligence and technology mental health finance and business services education environment protection and sustainable development.

The launch of the first state level Innovation and Startup Competition marks a major step towards building a strong innovation driven ecosystem in Odisha empowering young minds to develop solutions for real world challenges while promoting entrepreneurship and technological advancement in the state.