Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 10: Startups must turn ideas into market ready products to drive Odisha’s growth, said Dr Prabodh Mohanty. He was addressing the O-LEADS 2026 conclave organised by ASSOCHAM in the state capital. Dr Mohanty is National President of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI). He described startups as key problem solvers for real commercial and industrial challenges.
Innovation alone, he said, cannot ensure lasting business success. Entrepreneurs need a clear path from concept to product, customers and scale. Reaching international markets, he added, must be part of that journey.
Dr Mohanty also serves as Co Chair of ASSOCHAM’s Odisha State Development Council. He is Managing Director of SNM Group as well. He linked startup growth directly to Odisha’s goal of a $500 billion economy by 2036. Scalable industrial solutions, he said, would speed up the state’s economic rise. They would also sharpen Odisha’s competitive edge, he noted.
Dr Mohanty is also President of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (UCCIL). In that role, he outlined strategies for navigating complex global markets. He urged Odisha’s startups to align with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s development roadmap. He also called for alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic vision.
The summit brought together industrialists, academics and policymakers from across the region. Discussions focused on scaling local enterprises and commercialising research. Strengthening industry academia partnerships was another key theme.
