Bhubaneswar, June 8 (UDN): In a significant step towards strengthening women-led entrepreneurship and rural economic development, the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) and IIT Bhubaneswar have entered into a strategic partnership to launch an incubation programme for growth-oriented rural enterprises across the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged at Mission Shakti Bhawan in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti and Tourism, Pravati Parida.
Implemented under the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), the initiative aims to nurture and scale women-led enterprises by providing technical support, business mentoring, product innovation, market linkages, financial guidance, and professional networking opportunities. IIT Bhubaneswar will serve as the incubation partner for the programme.
Over the next three years, at least 150 high-potential rural enterprises will be supported under the incubation model. The Ministry of Rural Development has approved ₹10.70 crore for the programme, with ₹99 lakh sanctioned in the first phase for implementation by IIT Bhubaneswar.
The initiative is designed to help Self-Help Group (SHG) enterprises evolve into sustainable small and medium businesses. Participating enterprises will receive assistance in obtaining Udyam registration, statutory certifications, compliance support, and access to advanced technical expertise. IIT Bhubaneswar will also facilitate patent support and process certifications for select products, helping create distinct market identities for Odisha-based enterprises.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the government’s vision extends beyond employment generation to creating successful women entrepreneurs capable of competing in national and global markets. She noted that the partnership with IIT Bhubaneswar will provide SHG members with access to cutting-edge knowledge, innovation, and market opportunities, strengthening their journey towards financial independence.
The programme is expected to foster innovation, promote enterprise growth, and create new economic opportunities for rural women while contributing to the broader vision of a developed Odisha and a self-reliant India.
Senior officials from the Mission Shakti Department, Odisha Livelihoods Mission, IIT Bhubaneswar, and women entrepreneurs from across the state participated in the event, both in person and virtually.
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