Odisha Dominates as “Top Performer” in DPIIT State Startup Rankings 2022

Bhubaneswar, 16th January 2024: In a resounding testament to Odisha’s steadfast commitment to nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem, the state clinches the prestigious title of “Top Performer” in the DPIIT State Startup Ranking 2022. This distinction, unveiled by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, marks a significant achievement and was celebrated during a distinguished felicitation ceremony in New Delhi on January 16, 2023.

The DPIIT’s 4th edition of the State Startup Ranking sought to fortify collaborative efforts among states and union territories in fostering vibrant startup ecosystems. The meticulously crafted State Startup Ranking Framework 2022 aimed to catalyze significant advancements, evaluating responses across diverse parameters.

Utilizing 25 action points to gauge absolute, relative, and feedback-based grading, the framework provided a comprehensive snapshot of each state’s distinctive startup environment. The initiative encouraged states and union territories to streamline regulations for startup expansion and fortify support for the startup ecosystem.

This recognition comes as Odisha consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. In 2019, the state was acknowledged as the “Top Performer,” and in State Startup Ranking 2021, it reaffirmed its commitment, securing the same position. In 2022, Odisha retained its “Top Performer” status, showcasing the state’s continued dedication to inclusive policies and schemes that empower entrepreneurs across the region.

Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, remarked, “Odisha’s retention of the ‘Top Performer’ status in the DPIIT State Startup Rankings 2022 is a testament to our unwavering commitment. Under the visionary guidance of Shri Naveen Patnaik, we are dedicated to elevating the capabilities of our startup ecosystem.”

He further elaborated on Odisha’s commitment to creating a conducive environment, mentioning a new startup policy under consideration aligned with global best practices. The state focuses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and promotes women’s entrepreneurship.

Startup Odisha has played a pivotal role in nurturing over 1,800 startups across diverse sectors, with 42% being women-led startups. With a target to foster at least 5,000 startups by 2025, the state currently hosts 27 incubators, including O-Hub, one of the largest incubators in the country. The state boasts 75 active Entrepreneurship Cells (E-cells) and 93 incubates, with these numbers poised for continuous growth in the coming years.