Aiming to turn everyday challenges into impactful real-world solutions, the Government of Odisha has officially launched a nationwide-standard initiative titled the ‘Odisha Seba Prathama Innovation Challenge’ (OSFIC). Organized jointly by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department and Startup Odisha, the program was inaugurated today during a special event held at O-Hub, Bhubaneswar.
The initiative aims to harness the creative potential of students, artisans, farmers, and grassroots innovators, bridging the gap between local ideas and scalable business models.
Key Highlights & Strategic MoUs
During the ceremony, the official OSFIC web portal was launched, allowing participants to register online. In a major push for collaborative ecosystem building, Startup Odisha signed Strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key institutions:
- AIIMS Bhubaneswar
- World Skill Center (WSC)
- ASSOCHAM
Additionally, one-time capital grants were disbursed to leading regional incubators, including ACCURATE, NIST, CIPET, and Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University.
Gracing the event as chief guest, Minister for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME, Gokulananda Mallik, emphasized:
“Our students and youth possess unique talent. The ‘Odisha Seba Prathama Innovation Challenge’ is a strong platform to showcase it. Aspiring innovators can shape their ideas here to bring meaningful societal change.”
Minister for Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, stated that innovation serves as a medium of Seba (service) toward building a Viksit Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Minister for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, highlighted that breakthroughs are not confined to top-tier laboratories:
“Innovation can emerge from rural villages just as easily. Ideas from farmers, local artisans, students, and SHG women can shape the future.”
The event was also attended by former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Amar Patnaik. MSME Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary and Startup Odisha Chairperson Rashmita Panda outlined the campaign’s core vision, while Startup Odisha CEO Smruti Ranjan Pradhan delivered the welcome address.
21 Problem Statements Across Key Sectors
The innovation challenge covers 21 primary themes addressing real issues sourced from government schemes, industries, and citizens. Core sectors include:
- Education & Skill Development
- Agriculture, Fisheries & Animal Husbandry
- Healthcare & MSME Support
- Renewable Energy & Disaster Management
- Drone Technology
Who Can Participate?
The competition is broadly inclusive, inviting applications from:
- School, college, ITI, and Polytechnic students
- Startups, MSME entrepreneurs, and skilled/semi-skilled youth
- Local artisans and progressive farmers
- Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- NCC, NSS, NYKS units, and senior citizens
Target Outreach & Rewards
The state-wide initiative targets participation from over 2,000 institutions and more than 100,000 students and innovators.
Participating teams will receive expert mentorship throughout the competition. The top 100 ideas and prototypes will secure incubation support through designated centers. Winners at the State-Level Grand Finale will receive financial awards and the opportunity to represent Odisha in national-level competitions.
How to Register
Interested candidates with creative and innovative ideas can register directly through the official Startup Odisha portal: 👉 https://osfic.startupodisha.org/register
