Technovate for India Odisha edition celebrates research, entrepreneurship, and an AI-driven future
Technovate for India Odisha edition
The Technovate for India (TFI)
Odisha
edition was a grand celebration of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, setting the stage for India's next wave of digital transformation.
A flagship initiative of The Times of India, in collaboration with Talrop, this nationwide movement aims to empower young innovators and reshape India's technological ecosystem.
The initiative envisions reaching all 28 states and union territories, ensuring that technology and entrepreneurship become accessible to students and professionals across the country.
With 14 successful editions already held in states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand, the Bhubaneswar edition marked the 15th milestone in this ambitious journey.
Hosted at The Crown – IHCL SeleQtions, Bhubaneshwar, the conclave brought together visionary leaders, industry experts, and aspiring entrepreneurs, all united in their mission to position India as a global hub for technology and innovation.
The day began with an electrifying inaugural address by Prof Shreepad Karmalka, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar. Offering compelling insights into the role of academia in technological progress, he remarked, 'Technology is the processing of materials, energy, or information to develop useful products, and innovation is research commercialised.
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Without commercialisation, research remains incomplete.' He underscored the necessity of bridging the gap between research and real-world application, emphasising, 'If commercialisation is zero, there is no innovation.
If there is no research, there is no innovation.'
Technovate for India Odisha edition
Prof Karmalka announced IIT Bhubaneswar's ambitious goal of mentoring 100 startups worth over ₹100 crores each by Odisha's 100th anniversary in 2036, reinforcing the institution's commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship.
He also unveiled a ₹130 crore Research and Entrepreneurship Park, designed to help innovators transform ideas into market-ready solutions. Urging academia to look beyond job placements, he said, 'Parents should not only ask about placements but also inquire how many startups their child's institute has mentored.
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Stressing that true innovation requires an ecosystem where research translates into commercial success, he called for educational reforms, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Countries with strong innovation cultures integrate entrepreneurship into their curricula, a model Indian institutions must adopt. IIT Bhubaneswar is leading this transformation through initiatives like a mandatory research and entrepreneurship course and the 100³ Initiative.
By fostering a culture where failure is seen as growth and students are encouraged to 'follow no one but learn from everyone,' institutions can drive groundbreaking innovation and position India as a global technology leader.
The keynote address was delivered by. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder & CEO of IG Drones, whose remarkable journey from a small town in Odisha to leading India's premier drone technology firm served as an inspiration to every aspiring entrepreneur. 'Innovation begins with identifying the right problem,' he emphasised, reflecting on his transition from a student entrepreneur to a pioneering technologist.
Recounting his days at VSSUT Burla, he recalled a pivotal question from his father that reshaped his engineering outlook: 'What is the use of this technology in a common man's life?' This drove him to develop an IoT device for automating LPG cylinder bookings, addressing a household challenge.
His problem-solving mindset led to India's first multipurpose student rocket, catching prime minister Narendra Modi's attention and earning ISRO's adoption.
Despite scepticism about his capabilities as an innovator from Odisha, Sanghapriya remained resolute. 'People doubted me, but that only fueled my determination,' he said. His entrepreneurial breakthrough came with his first order from Aditya Birla Group.
'That moment proved an Odisha entrepreneur could build and sell technology,' he shared. Today, IG Drones has completed over 1,000 projects, proving that passion, resilience, and innovation can transform regional startups into global enterprises.
'If I can do it, so can you,' he concluded.
In a fireside chat moderated by Ashok Kumar Pradhan, Chief Bureau, Times of India, Bhubaneswar, Sanghapriya discussed the challenges and opportunities of building startups in smaller cities.
Having started in Sambalpur, he highlighted hurdles like limited capital, mentorship, and infrastructure, but argued that these challenges shape stronger entrepreneurs. 'Opportunity lies where challenges exist. The new Bharat will rise from these regions,' he asserted.
Sanghapriya credited government policies for India's rise in the drone sector. 'India has one of the most liberal drone policies, and 95% of our 350 drone companies are startups,' he noted, emphasising the role of drones in agriculture, particularly through Drone Didi, which empowers self-help groups.
Looking ahead, he stressed, 'Drone technology is about data, not just flying machines. AI-driven analytics will shape the future.' He envisions Odisha nurturing 100 startups worth ₹100 crore by 2036 and urged young entrepreneurs: 'Interest + Internet = Innovation.'
A defining moment of the event was the special address by Jones Joseph, director & COO of Talrop, who posed a thought-provoking question: 'What is India's alternative to Google, Amazon, or Facebook?' While India has provided some of the brightest minds to global tech giants, Joseph urged the audience to think beyond employment and towards entrepreneurship. 'With a population of 150 crores, unmatched talent, and growing infrastructure, isn't it time we create the next Google from our own soil?'
Technovate for India Odisha edition
The Ideathon Finale was a thrilling culmination of the event, showcasing the brightest young innovators tackling real-world challenges through AI, automation, and digital platforms.
The top prize of ₹50,000 was awarded to International Management Institute (IMI) Bhubaneswar for their project on Odisha's skill development using AI, VR, AR, and the metaverse. Amity University secured the first runner-up position, winning ₹40,000 for their AI-supported e-commerce platform designed to support Odisha's artisans and artifacts.
The second runner-up, United School of Business Management, received ₹30,000 for their initiative aimed at bridging the gap between aspirants, recruiters, industries, and skill providers.
These innovative projects exemplified India's limitless potential, reaffirming that the nation's youth are ready to lead the next wave of technological breakthroughs.
Technovate for India Odisha edition
Throughout the conclave, a recurring theme emerged—the need to reshape societal attitudes toward entrepreneurship. The Technovate for India Bhubaneswar Edition was more than just an event; it was a movement, a revolution, and a call to action.
With 13 more editions yet to come, the vision remains clear: India will not just be a participant in global technology—it will be a leader.
Social copy: Here's how Technovate India Odisha edition was a thrilling culmination of new ideas and hard work, showcasing the brightest young innovators tackling real-world challenges through AI, automation, and digital platforms.
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