Startup Cooperation / Odisha and Japan join hands to accelerate Startup growth

Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: In a significant boost to Odisha’s growing startup ecosystem, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Odisha-based startup Sustainability Leader and Japan's One Structure startup.

The partnership is expected to pave the way for deeper innovation-driven collaboration between Odisha and Japan.

Adding to the momentum, an official MoU between the Odisha Government and Japan's Tottori Prefecture in the startup sector is scheduled to be signed in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

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The agreement aims to expand investment opportunities, foster entrepreneurship and strengthen business relations between the two regions.

Under the collaboration, both sides will undertake business matchmaking initiatives, startup exchange programmes, workshops and accelerated support mechanisms for entrepreneurs.

Particular emphasis will be placed on technology sharing and knowledge exchange in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and artificial intelligence (AI).

The partnership will also facilitate visits by startup founders and innovators from Odisha to Japan, while Japanese entrepreneurs will be encouraged to explore business opportunities in Odisha.

Officials believe the move will help local startups access global markets, advanced technologies and international mentorship networks.

Odisha currently has nearly 3,000 startups, and the state government has set an ambitious target of increasing the number to 5,000 by 2029. Various incentives and support measures are being extended to encourage young entrepreneurs.

Responding to concerns over Odisha's decline in national startup rankings, MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallick stated, "The ranking had been affected due to non-submission of necessary documents during the previous government's tenure," expressing confidence that Odisha would secure a stronger position in India's startup rankings in the coming years.