Bhubaneswar, March 13th, 2024 – Startup Odisha, in collaboration with FICCI FLO, orchestrated the FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest, a dynamic endeavor aimed at empowering and celebrating women entrepreneurs in Odisha. Hosted at O-Hub to commemorate Women’s Day, the event provided an invigorating platform for visionary women to showcase their innovative ideas and talents.
In collaboration with partners such as Startup Odisha and Falcon Real Estate, the FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest offered participants an array of benefits, including cash prizes, accolades, visibility, and opportunities for incubation. The event welcomed esteemed dignitaries like Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, Saveen Kaur Oberai, Managing Director of Oberai Hospitality, Smt. Sujata Biswas, Co-founder of SUTA, and other esteemed members from FLO Bhubaneswar.
Featuring a meticulous selection process, finalists were chosen through rigorous in-person interviews. These finalists were then granted the opportunity to showcase their ideas at the final event, receiving invaluable feedback and recognition for their entrepreneurial endeavors. Seven startups pitched their innovative ideas, with Vatsalya Wellness Pvt. Ltd., Dentinvent Private Limited, and Chocolaca Enterprises LLP being felicitated as the top three.
With Odisha boasting over 1800 thriving startups, and 43% of these startups led by women entrepreneurs, the event served as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of talented women entrepreneurs. It underscored the acknowledgment of the unique perspectives and untapped potential that women bring to the startup ecosystem.
“Our collaboration with FICCI FLO and initiatives like the FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest play a pivotal role in promoting women entrepreneurship and driving inclusive growth,” remarked Dr. Omkar Rai during his keynote address at the event. “It is heartening to witness the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by women entrepreneurs in Odisha. Initiatives like these align with and complement government policies, schemes, and programs to promote women entrepreneurship and contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest stands as a testament to Startup Odisha’s commitment to inspiring, fostering innovation, and empowering visionary women to leave an indelible mark in the entrepreneurial landscape.