Bhubaneswar, Sept 8 (KNN) The Odisha government on Wednesday approved a grant of Rs 1.28 crore to ten promising startups within the state.

The state government through this grant aims at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of startups in sectors such as agri-tech, food and beverages, HR-Tech, enterprise technology, retail, education and logistics.

The grant was approved during the second board meeting of Startup Odisha, an initiative backed by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department. The board chaired by executive chairman of Startup Odisha Omkar Rai selected startups under product development and marketing assistance and need-based assistance.

The startups selected for the funds include Axonotics, a Cuttack-based IT solutions provider that helps in fast and easily scanning of document, EME Technologies, a delivery app for food and grocery fr0m Bargarh, and Foliyoo Technologies, a logistic solutions provider based in Bhubaneswar.

Others include Indersons Services, an enterprise software company of Sundargarh, Happiness Under Budget, a retail company, Lex Protector, an intellectual property service provider, Sabhyasha Retail Tech, a one-stop-shop for handicraft handloom and Kickstart careers, an ed-tech company fr0m Khurda. 

Two Kalahandi-based startups - Zentai Workforce, an integrated AI driven logistics partner and ManikstuAgro, an agri-tech company have also been selected for the assistance.

During the meeting, Rai said the investments in the state’s startups signify the government’s commitment to creating a thriving ecosystem where innovation knows no bounds. 

“Our vision is to build successful startups by providing necessary financial aid, mentorship and guidance that will help them scale and grow,” he said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has committed to nurture 5000 startups by 2025, steering Odisha towards its goal of establishing itself as one of India’s top-three hubs for innovation.   (KNN Bureau)