Afreen Firdaus 
In the dynamic landscape of India’s tech ecosystem, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship – Dr. Omkar Rai. Having a career spanning three decades with a relentless pursuit of fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in India’s IT sector, Dr. Rai is acclaimed for his visionary policymaking and transformative approach. Let’s delve into the inspiring journey of this ace technocrat who played a decisive role in shaping the contours of India’s IT landscape and is presently catalysing the growth of the startup ecosystem in Odisha with his foresightedness.
Armed with a Ph.D. in Statistics from Banaras Hindu University, Dr. Rai embarked on his professional journey with a stint at the National Informatics Centre. It was here that he honed his skills in technology and administration, laying the foundation for his future endeavours.
Dr. Rai’s true impact came to the fore during his tenure as the Director General of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). Under his leadership, the IT/ITES/ESDM industry witnessed an unprecedented growth. As a dedicated proponent of the software product nation, Dr. Omkar Rai played a pivotal role in the formulation of the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP), 2019 and spearheaded the creation of Centres of Entrepreneurship (COEs) in emerging technologies under the STPI initiative, leaving his indelible mark on the technology landscape. An ardent champion of equitable and inclusive growth, Dr. Rai has been instrumental in driving the expansion of the IT industry beyond metropolitan areas. His visionary efforts aimed at making India a hub for technology self-sufficiency. Further, as Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, he has been playing a crucial role in nurturing the startup ecosystem in Odisha towards global competitiveness, resilience & sustainability.
Driven by a desire to catalyze change at the grassroots level, ever since, Dr. Rai took the reins at Startup Odisha as its Executive Chairman, he envisioned and promoted a holistic framework to support startups at every stage of their journey – right from ideation to market expansion.
Dr. Rai’s approach was multifaceted, focusing on infrastructure development, policy formulation, and fostering a culture of innovation. He established incubation centres, launched flagship programs and initiatives like Startup Yatra, Startup Xpress, Odisha Startup Growth Fund (OSGF), Utkal Fab Fest, and others and forged strategic partnerships to connect startups with investors and mentors. Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Rai is known for his hands-on approach and personal involvement in mentoring startups. His accessibility, enthusiasm, and unwavering belief in the potential of every entrepreneur have endeared him to the startup community.
Further, under Dr. Rai’s stewardship, Odisha has been adjudged a “Top Performer” in developing a strong startup ecosystem in the States’ Startup Ranking 2022 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India.
For his enormous contributions towards exemplifying the vision of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in public fora, BHU has conferred Distinguished Alumnus Award on Dr. Rai. For his outstanding contributions to bringing transformative changes in IT Industry, GLA University has conferred the D.Sc. (Honoris causa) upon Dr. Rai and Indian Express Group has accoladed him with the “Digital Icon” award.
Under Dr. Rai’s aegis, Startup Odisha has emerged as a national leader, recognized for its innovative programs and tangible outcomes. The state has witnessed a surge in startup activity, attracting investments and creating a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship.
His vision for Startup Odisha is ambitious, aiming to position the state as a global hub for innovation. He envisions a future where entrepreneurship thrives, fueled by the rich talent pool and supportive ecosystem.
Dr. Omkar Rai’s journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to a cause which continues to inspire and empower the next generation of technocrats & entrepreneurs. His legacy resonates far beyond the borders of Odisha, shaping the future of India’s startup landscape.
