Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): The Odisha government on Wednesday launched the Odisha Seva First Innovation Challenge (OSFIC), a statewide initiative aimed at identifying innovative ideas and developing practical solutions to challenges faced by people and communities.
Pic Credit: x.com/SampadSwainBJP
The programme was launched by Startup Odisha under the MSME Department at O-Hub in Bhubaneswar in the presence of state ministers, policymakers, industry representatives and members of the startup ecosystem.
Over one lakh participants targeted
The innovation challenge seeks to bring together more than one lakh participants under three broad categories — Students, Youth and Grassroots Innovation Talents.
The initiative is open to students from schools, universities and technical institutions, startups and MSMEs, as well as artisans, farmers, women’s self-help groups, senior citizens and members of NCC and NSS units, among other eligible participants.
MSME and Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the ideas emerging from the top 20 winners would be compiled into a dedicated compendium to showcase their innovations and potentially help connect them with investment opportunities.
He encouraged students and young people to pursue innovative ideas and assured them of government support in taking promising concepts forward. He also highlighted the need to strengthen incubation infrastructure and foster entrepreneurship.
Ministers pitch innovation for public good
Industries and Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said innovative ideas could emerge from diverse sections of society, including villages, farms, artisan communities, educational institutions and women-led initiatives.
He stressed that innovation should ultimately contribute to improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens.
Science & Technology and Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra called for greater focus on innovations that can contribute to public service and nation-building.
He also said a blueprint had been prepared under the proposed Odisha Innovation Mission, with areas such as biotechnology and artificial intelligence identified for attention.
Portal launched, MoUs signed
The launch event also saw the unveiling of the OSFIC web portal, through which eligible participants can register for the challenge.
Strategic MoUs were signed between Startup Odisha and AIIMS Bhubaneswar, World Skill Centre and ASSOCHAM as part of efforts to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
One-time capital grants were also distributed to incubators, including ACURATE, NIST, CIPET and SOA.
Startup Odisha CEO Smruti Ranjan Pradhan delivered the welcome address, while MSME Commissioner-cum-Secretary and Startup Odisha Chairperson Rashmita Panda outlined the initiative’s objectives.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik attended the launch as the distinguished guest.
The challenge will culminate in a grand finale, where selected innovators will receive financial rewards. The initiative is aimed at creating a wider platform for ideas emerging not only from established startups and institutions but also from communities and individuals working at the grassroots level.
