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Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Did You Know Luxury Hotel Prices in 2025 Could Be So Low? Expertinspector Learn More Undo 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. ' 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. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh edition fuels tech-driven solutions in employment and farming
Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh edition fuels tech-driven solutions in employment and farming The Hyatt in Raipur became the epicentre of technological innovation and entrepreneurship as Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh Edition unfolded in a grand manner. Organised by The Times of India in collaboration with Talrop , the event aimed to empower students and young entrepreneurs with insights into emerging technologies, government policies, and industry trends. With an exciting lineup of speakers, fireside chats, and an Ideathon finale, the event created an ecosystem that highlights Chhattisgarh's growing role in India's digital revolution. Inaugural address by Niharika Barik Singh The event commenced with an insightful inaugural address by Niharika Barik Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, department of electronics & IT, government of Chhattisgarh. She emphasised the state's commitment to creating a robust digital ecosystem. Yash Raj Agrawal, Founder & CEO of GimBooks "We are working towards ensuring 100% digital connectivity across Chhattisgarh. Our revised IT policies now include tax benefits and infrastructure support for AI research centres, cloud computing facilities, and startups. Technology is only as powerful as the problem it solves. It is not about building the most complex algorithm or the most advanced AI models. It is about using those technologies to make a real difference—whether it's AI-powered farming techniques, digital healthcare platforms, or smart logistics systems. Channel your creativity into solutions that will have a lasting impact," she stated. Singh also outlined Chhattisgarh's cybersecurity framework, incentives for startups, and efforts to bring all government services online. "We are positioning ourselves as the next data centre hub in Central India. We are not just preparing for the future; we are creating it," she declared, inspiring an audience of students, academicians, and industry professionals. Following the inaugural speech, Yash Raj Agrawal, Founder & CEO of GimBooks, delivered a riveting keynote address, sharing his entrepreneurial journey. He spoke about how GimBooks evolved from a simple invoice-making app to a full-fledged business management platform with over 4 million downloads and a significant presence in India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. He recalled a critical moment during the COVID-19 pandemic when his startup faced an 80-lakh financial shortfall. "There was a point where I thought about shutting everything down, but something in me said, 'Keep going.' And that made all the difference," he shared. His resilience and success story resonated deeply with budding entrepreneurs in the audience. A thought-provoking fireside chat ensued between Agrawal and Rashmi Drolia, Senior Journalist, The Times of India , Chhattisgarh. The discussion revolved around adapting to market demands, integrating AI, and scaling a startup in a competitive landscape. "We built GimBooks by listening to our users. Every feature we added was based on customer feedback. That's the key—your users will tell you exactly what they need," Agrawal explained. He also emphasized the importance of building startups in smaller cities like Raipur, where operational costs are lower and employee loyalty is higher. "Building in Raipur is far more economical than in cities like Bangalore, where high costs could have made survival during COVID impossible. Beyond costs, smaller towns foster a stronger sense of ownership among employees—they treat the company as their own, unlike metro cultures where work is just a routine. With supportive policies and funding opportunities, it's not difficult to build from here. The best ideas stem from personal pain points—problems you or those around you face. That's how I built my company despite being a non-tech founder. Once you have an idea, focus on building a strong team, networking, and seizing opportunities—it makes all the difference," he added. Technovate for India - Ideathon finale One of the most anticipated segments of the event was the Ideathon finale, where students pitched their innovative ideas in a highly competitive environment. Three teams emerged victorious, showcasing groundbreaking solutions. The winning team from the International Institute of Information Technology secured ₹50,000 for their AI-driven platform that enables smart job matching, helping the people of Chhattisgarh find jobs aligned with their skill sets. The first runner-up, Government Engineering College, won ₹40,000 for their initiative, CASH (Chhattisgarh Agri-Tech Skill Hub), aimed at empowering students to drive agricultural innovation. The second runner-up, Kalinga University, Raipur, received ₹30,000 for their AI-powered skill development program. Beyond the cash prizes, the winners gained mentorship opportunities, funding prospects, and exclusive networking sessions with industry leaders. Jones Joseph, Director & COO of Talrop, delivered a special address highlighting Talrop's mission. Ajeesh Satheesan, Director & CMO of Talrop, was also present. "India needs a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem where inventors and entrepreneurs can thrive together. Technovate for India is a step towards making this vision a reality," Joseph stated. He further elaborated on Talrop's Village Park initiative, which aims to establish 4,000 tech hubs across rural India. "By decentralising technology and fostering grassroots innovation, we can put India on the global stage," he explained. The event wasn't just about speeches and competitions. Interactive quizzes tested participants' knowledge of tech giants, AI developments, and India's startup landscape. The audience participation was electric, with students and professionals competing for exclusive merchandise and networking opportunities. A significant focus was on the impact of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and cloud computing on various industries. GimBooks is leveraging AI-powered voice assistants to streamline customer interactions, setting a precedent for how AI can be integrated into Indian startups. "We are training AI voice agents to handle customer queries and provide real-time support. This will revolutionize customer service in the coming years," Mr. Agrawal shared. His insights were a call to action for students to embrace AI and data analytics as crucial skills for the future. The Technovate for India - Chhattisgarh Edition concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired and equipped with knowledge and connections to fuel their aspirations. The event demonstrated that Chhattisgarh is not just keeping pace with technological advancements but is poised to become a hub for digital innovation in India. As Singh aptly summarised in her speech: "Dream big. Start locally, but scale globally. The next tech giant does not have to come from Silicon Valley—it can be born right here in Chhattisgarh." With a resounding commitment from policymakers, industry leaders, and students, Technovate for India has set the stage for Chhattisgarh's bright future in technology and entrepreneurship. The event will be conducted across all 28 states of India. Apart from Chhattisgarh, 15 successful conclaves have already taken place in Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Daman and Diu. The next edition promises to be even bigger, encouraging a new wave of ideas, startups, and game-changing innovations. 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