Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The 100-Cube Start-Up program of the Research and Entrepreneurship Park at IIT-Bhubaneswar was introduced on Sunday by Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship. By the time Odisha celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2036, this innovative program hopes to have created 100 start-ups, each valued at Rs 100 crores. The Park will offer access to possible investors, mentorship, startup money, and other necessary tools. With funding from the Ministry of Education totaling Rs. 130 crore, the Park is expected to grow from its current 20,000 square feet to around 80,000 square feet over the course of the next two years.
Pradhan drew comparisons to the historic Konark in his inauguration speech, emphasizing the event’s enormous significance as the IIT research and innovation park’s foundation stone was placed. He highlighted the state of Odisha’s great heritage of invention, which dates back to the 19th century and is demonstrated by the state’s magnificent temples and buildings. The Minister expressed optimism for the future and echoed PM Modi’s “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” agenda by highlighting the youth’s energy and capacity to effect change.
He went on to emphasize India’s critical role in using the demographic dividend and the strength of institutions like IITs, NITs, and AICTE to provide collective answers to global concerns. He applauded the priority of STEM education, with a notable enrollment of girls, and welcomed the amazing increase in female student enrollment, signaling progress in education. In order to foster and grow this ecosystem, he called for cooperation and support from all stakeholders. He praised the developing start-up ecosystem in India, especially in Odisha, where 40% of start-ups are run by women.
