Odisha’s entrepreneurial landscape set to flourish with IIM Sambalpur’s 100 Cube Start-up Conclave

Bhubaneswar: IIM Sambalpur is gearing up to host a one-day 100-Cube Start-up Conclave on Friday, 1st March 2024, at its campus. The event aims to foster India’s entrepreneurial spirit and empower youth to innovate and create value.

This unique startup initiative, led by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in partnership with IIM Sambalpur, aims to establish 100 startups on its premises, each valued at approximately INR 100 Crores by Odisha’s centennial celebration in 2036.

In line with IIM Sambalpur’s core values of inclusiveness and regional development, the event aims to catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

The chief guest for the inauguration will be Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, Dharmendra Pradhan. The 100-cube start-up conclave will also mark the beginning of the “I-Hub Foundation,” established under Section 8 as a registered company, serving as IIM Sambalpur’s incubator. I-Hub will operate physically and virtually, collaborating with various stakeholders in Odisha’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The startup extravaganza will include an exhibition showcasing 50 startups from Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bargarh, and other districts of Odisha. The event expects around 1200 attendees, including 300 startups, key stakeholders, investors, industry mentors, ministry representatives, students, and members of the incubator and venture capital (VCs) or angel investor communities.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, expressed pride in hosting the 100 Cube Start-up Conclave, highlighting its alignment with the institute’s vision of promoting entrepreneurship and startup culture in Odisha. He stressed that the event would not only offer a platform for startups to showcase their potential but also provide comprehensive support and networking opportunities with various stakeholders.

Prof. Jaiswal elaborated on the inauguration of the I-Hub Foundation, emphasizing its role in supporting and nurturing innovative ventures across diverse sectors such as textiles, arts & culture, agriculture, healthcare, financial & digital inclusivity, tribal entrepreneurship, and sustainability. This initiative aims to provide startups with a robust platform for growth while fostering collaborations and partnerships to drive sustainable and inclusive development.