Bhubaneswar: In a bid to support the startup ecosystem in Odisha, the Centre for Innovation & Incubation, Utkal University signed an MoU on Thursday. The MoU was signed in the presence of Higher Education Minister Arun Kumar Sahu, while the event was chaired by Utkal University VC, Prof Sabita, and Deepak Kumar Singh, Zonal Head, HDFC Bank, Odisha. Senior officials from the State Government, Bankers, Incubation Centres & Startups also participated.
CEO of Startup Odisha introduced the budding ecosystem and emphasised how the forum has been pivotal in nurturing startups. He laid emphasis on how bankers should develop innovative banking solutions for them. Sahu highlighted the initiatives of HDFC as a pioneer in supporting educational institutions through its CSR programme. He appreciated the work done by Utkal University in setting up Centre for Innovation and Incubation for promoting startups and creating an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem for students.
Prof Acharya expressed that Utkal University is poised to act as the catalyst for student entrepreneurs. She spoke about the strength and heritage of the varsity which can be leveraged to establish a collaborative path for nurturing young minds of the state. The vote of thanks was delivered by CEO, of the Centre for Innovation and Incubation, Dr Manisha Acharya.
Deepak Kumar Singh, Zonal Head HDFC Bank Odisha, addressed all startups about banks’ offerings for them under the flagship program SMART UP & interacted with the budding entrepreneurs. HDFC Bank has been giving grants under their CSR to various Startup’s in Odisha since 2017.
The MoU was signed between Prof Acharya and Ajit Kumar Padhy, Deputy VP, HDFC Bank. Nikhil Patra, Assistant VP briefed about startup program offered by HDFC Bank. The HDFC Bank State Head (Government Business) Sanjib Mohapatra and Soumyabrata Das, Assistant VP were also present.
