Rourkela, Sept 13: In a proud moment for Odisha and India’s innovation landscape, the Foundation for Technology & Business Incubation (FTBI) at NIT Rourkela has been awarded the prestigious Bharat Incubator Award 2025 at the 4th Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit held in New Delhi, officials said on Saturday.

The accolade recognizes FTBI’s outstanding contributions to nurturing startups, fostering innovation, and building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Instituted by the Entrepreneurs Association of India, the award was presented by Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister of Industries, Food & Supplies and Environment, Forest & Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi. The ceremony, held at the NDMC Convention Centre, brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia.

Receiving the award on behalf of FTBI were Prof. Subrata Kumar Panda, President of FTBI, and Chiranjibi Samal, CEO of FTBI. The recognition places FTBI among the top six incubators selected nationwide, underscoring its consistent efforts in empowering startups and driving innovation-led growth.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Panda expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, while Samal dedicated the award to the relentless efforts of the startups, mentors, and partners associated with FTBI. Their collaborative spirit and commitment have been instrumental in shaping FTBI’s success story.

Congratulating the team, Prof. K. Umamaheswar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, said, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to empowering innovators and driving India’s entrepreneurial journey. FTBI continues to be a beacon of innovation and opportunity.”

FTBI has played a pivotal role in supporting early-stage ventures through mentorship, funding access, infrastructure, and strategic guidance. Its inclusive approach and strong industry-academia linkages have made it a model incubator for institutions across the country.

As India accelerates its startup momentum, recognitions like the Bharat Incubator Award validate the importance of nurturing grassroots innovation and institutional support. FTBI’s achievement is not just a win for NIT Rourkela, but a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship in shaping India’s future.