Odisha is set to make a major leap in the global financial technology arena with the launch of the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) in Bhubaneswar on August 21, 2025. This initiative, a joint collaboration between the Government of Odisha and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), marks the state’s most significant step yet in establishing itself as a key player in the international FinTech ecosystem. It aims to position Bhubaneswar as a strategic destination for FinTech innovation, digital capability development, and global collaboration.

The I-GFTCH project represents Odisha’s first comprehensive FinTech initiative, offering a blend of global learning opportunities, startup incubation, and offshore capability development. Designed as a one-stop platform for fostering innovation, the hub will serve as a launchpad for nurturing homegrown talent and connecting them to global opportunities in cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, InsurTech, tokenisation, and quantum computing. It reflects the state’s ambition to drive inclusive and technology-driven economic growth, in line with national development goals.

A major highlight of the initiative is the launch of a five-month hybrid certification programme in FinTech and InsurTech, scheduled to begin in September 2025. This course, developed in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Digital Finance at the National University of Singapore (NUS-AIDF) and GFTN, aims to train over 7,000 students across Odisha. The programme will equip participants with the practical knowledge and digital skills required to thrive in the rapidly evolving financial technology landscape.

Further amplifying Odisha’s global presence, Bhubaneswar is also set to host the prestigious Black Swan Summit (BSS) India in early 2026. This international summit will bring together world-renowned thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the fields of AI, tokenisation, and quantum computing, offering a valuable platform for local talent to engage with global experts. The event will also help spotlight Odisha’s emerging role in global digital discourse.

To support entrepreneurship and innovation at the grassroots level, a dedicated Centre of Excellence will also be established under the I-GFTCH framework. This centre will offer mentoring, incubation services, and venture capital support to budding FinTech entrepreneurs, further strengthening the startup ecosystem within the state and encouraging scalable innovation.

Key government figures have praised the initiative for its far-reaching impact. Mukesh Mahaling, Odisha’s Minister for Electronics and IT, described the project as a strategic investment in youth that aligns with India’s broader innovation-driven economy. Suryabanshi Suraj, the state’s Minister for Higher Education, emphasized that the certification programme will enhance Odisha’s digital credentials while preparing a skilled and future-ready workforce. The idea for this transformative initiative was first conceptualised during the visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Odisha earlier this year. Inspired by discussions held during that visit, I-GFTCH is a product of international collaboration and a shared vision for inclusive, globally connected development.