Startup Odisha and FICCI FLO Empower Women Entrepreneurs with Successful FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest

Startup Odisha, in collaboration with FICCI FLO, organized the FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest, a dynamic initiative aimed at empowering and celebrating women entrepreneurs in Odisha. Held at O-Hub to commemorate Women’s Day, the event provided a vibrant platform for visionary women to showcase their innovative ideas and talents.

The FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest, in collaboration with partners such as Startup Odisha and Falcon Real Estate, provided participants with an array of benefits, including cash prizes, felicitations, visibility, and opportunities for incubation. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, Saveen Kaur Oberai, Managing Director of Oberai Hospitality, Smt. Sujata Biswas, Co-founder of SUTA and other esteemed members from FLO Bhubaneswar.

The event featured a meticulous selection process, with finalists chosen through rigorous in-person interviews. These finalists were afforded the opportunity to showcase their ideas at the final event, receiving invaluable feedback and recognition for their entrepreneurial endeavours. Seven startups pitched their innovative ideas, out of which three were felicitated: Vatsalya Wellness Pvt. Ltd., Dentinvent Private Limited and Chocolaca Enterprises LLP.

With Odisha boasting over 1800 thriving startups, and 43% of these startups led by women entrepreneurs, the event served as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of talented women entrepreneurs. It underscored the acknowledgment of the unique perspectives and untapped potential that women bring to the startup ecosystem.

“Our partnership with FICCI FLO and initiatives like the FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest play a crucial role in promoting women entrepreneurship and driving inclusive growth,” remarked Dr. Omkar Rai during his keynote address at the event. “It is heartening to witness the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by women entrepreneurs in Odisha. Initiatives like these align with and complement government policies, schemes, and programs to promote women entrepreneurship and contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.”

The FLO WE-Pitch Innovation Challenge Contest stands as a testament to Startup Odisha’s commitment to inspiring, fostering innovation, and empowering visionary women to leave an indelible mark in the entrepreneurial landscape.

About Startup Odisha

Startup Odisha under the MSME Dept. Govt. of Odisha as the Nodal agency for building the startup and innovation ecosystem in the state, came into existence in 2016 with Odisha Startup Policy-2016. The vision is to introduce a holistic and inclusive ecosystem for the existing and aspiring startups, establish itself as one of the top startup hubs in the country, and enable the youth of Odisha to become Job-Creators and support the state in employment generation. With the unique support system under the Odisha Startup Policy 2016, Startup Odisha has supported Women/SC/ST/PH/Transgenders-led startups/ entrepreneurs by providing them with financial grants, subsidized incubation and exposure in participating in various national and international events. Since its inception, Startup Odisha has been home to the best entrepreneurial minds & has already supported and facilitated more than 1700+ Startups, with 600+ startups led by women directors, founders and co-founders. It houses the facilities and services ranging from a world-class infrastructure with state of an art facility called O Hub to the best Incubation facility supported by a proactive team, the aim is to take a leap for registering a minimum of another 5000 startups with recognition by 2025. Startup Odisha has been continuously evolving in its Policy measures, always ensuring to have a responsive policy framework. We have been the top performing Startup Hubs for three consecutive years in the country.