New Delhi: Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, inaugurated the two-day 100 Cube Start-up Conclave at IIT Bhubaneswar’s Research and Entrepreneurship Park (REP). The event saw the presence of key figures, including Shri Sanjay K. Murthy, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Singh, foreign government representatives, industry delegates, academia, start-ups, students, and other prominent business leaders.

During his address, Pradhan highlighted the significance of the Research & Entrepreneurship Park, marking it as a milestone for Odisha. He likened the initiative to the Konark temple, expressing that it would serve as a contemporary symbol encouraging youth to dream big, innovate, and create value.

Pradhan credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s youth-oriented initiatives, ensuring a golden age for the younger generation. He expressed gratitude to corporates and investors supporting the initiative, urging them to guide and mentor the youth. Emphasizing the importance of providing an enabling ecosystem, Pradhan stressed the need for a society-wide approach.

Highlighting the innovative spirit ingrained in Odia society, Pradhan envisioned initiatives like 100 Cube Odisha unlocking the untapped potential of youth, fostering solution-driven innovation and a start-up revolution. He emphasized collaboration between youth, faculty, and industry as the driving force behind this initiative, inviting all to leave a legacy of innovation.

The Minister inaugurated a new auditorium, digitally laid foundation stones for infrastructure projects, and witnessed the exchange of MoUs between 16 startups and REP. Four startups incubated at IIT Bhubaneswar received grant cheques from Oil India Ltd. An exhibition showcasing startup products was visited by dignitaries before the Conclave’s inauguration.

The REP’s current focus areas include Health & BioTech, Battery/EV/ClimateTech, Artificial Intelligence, SpaceTech, Drones, UAVs, Semi-conductors, and Enterprise Software.