Bhubaneswar, November 7, 2023: Millets in Odisha have a rich history of supporting food security and climate resilience for tribal communities. To bolster this legacy, Startup Odisha launched the Millet Innovation Challenge alongside the International Millets Convention. This challenge provides a platform for millet-focused startups to pitch innovative solutions. Participants have the chance to win monetary prizes, receive promotional support, and pilot their ideas with the Odisha Millet Mission.
Startups specializing in millet sectors, including Branding and Packaging, Logistics, Quality Assurance, and Financial Management, are encouraged to participate. Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, sees this challenge as a crucial step towards enhancing food security, empowering local communities, and driving economic growth through millets. Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, emphasizes the challenge’s focus on enhancing millet processing and value addition, thereby expanding the millet product market.
Key dates include the application deadline on November 5, 2023, 1st Round Pitch Presentations on November 7, 2023, and announcement of 1st round winners on November 8, 2023. The final pitching event occurs at the International Millets Convention on November 10, 2023, with the top 3 winners receiving monetary awards of 3 lakhs, 2 lakhs, and 1 lakh, respectively.
In the heart of Odisha, the Millet Innovation Challenge marks a transformative force, supporting millets’ potential in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. With a spirit of innovation and shared vision, this challenge aims to leave a lasting impact on the state’s agriculture and economy, furthering Odisha’s journey toward a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable future.
For more details, please visit: https://startupodisha.gov.in
