The state-level “Naba Srujan O Nutan Udyam” (Innovation and New Entrepreneurship) competition concluded today at Rama Devi Women’s University in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant boost for student-led innovation in Odisha.
Organised jointly by the Department of Higher Education and the Odisha State Higher Education Council, the two-day event (January 16-17) saw participation from 72 students representing 14 universities across the state.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj attended the valedictory ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasised the critical role of youth in achieving the vision of a developed Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047.
“The youth are our future. Initiatives like ‘Naba Srujan O Nutan Udyam’ are designed to foster creativity and make students self-reliant. The efforts of these students to create new enterprises are truly commendable and will undoubtedly lead them to success,” Minister Suraj said.
Ten outstanding startup projects were declared winners, with each receiving ₹5 lakh in financial assistance, along with certificates and trophies.
The winning projects were presented by:
Nilambar Behera (Bhadrak Autonomous College)
Abhilipsa Bhuyan (Kendrapara Birupa Mahavidyalaya)
Sudeepta Rout (Rama Devi Women’s University)
Archita Lenka and Ganesh Chandra Khadanga (Berhampur University)
Shreeya Sonali Sahu and Sushree Shreeya Pradhan (Dharanidhar University)
Shreepad Saran Barik (Maharshi College of Natural Law)
Prabin Kumar Singh and Swashit Pattnayak (Ma Manikeshwari University)
Debi Prasad Mishra (Ravenshaw University)
This was the first state-level edition of the competition, which progressed through college-level and university-level rounds before the finals. Winning projects will also receive mentorship and access to advanced research facilities from the Higher Education Department.
Students presented ideas across diverse categories, including agriculture and rural development, health, food and nutrition, handicrafts, artificial intelligence and technology, mental health, financial management, education, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Participants expressed enthusiasm, describing the platform as an ideal opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and ideas.
Other dignitaries present included Director of Higher Education Kali Prasanna Mahapatra, Executive Member of Odisha State Higher Education Council Professor Atanu Kumar Pati, and Vice-Chancellor of Rama Devi Women’s University Dr. Chandi Charan Rath.
