Overview of Startup Odisha

The **Startup Odisha** initiative, under the **MSME Department, Government of Odisha**, is a comprehensive policy designed to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem in the state. Its primary goal is to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation by providing financial assistance, mentorship, incubation support, and a simplified regulatory framework. The initiative is a key component of the state's economic development strategy.

Key Benefits and Incentives

The Startup Odisha policy offers a wide range of benefits for recognized startups:

• Monthly Allowance: A monthly allowance of ₹20,000 for a period of one year. This amount is increased to ₹22,000 if the founder is a woman, transgender, or from a social category (SC/ST/SEBC/PH).
• Product Development Grant: Financial assistance of up to ₹16 lakhs for product development and marketing to help startups commercialize their innovations.
• Subsidized Incubation: A subsidy of 50% on monthly rental of incubation space, up to a maximum of ₹5,000 per month for a period of one year.
• Mentorship & Networking: Access to a network of experienced mentors and support for participating in national and international events to build networks.
• Regulatory Simplification: Exemption from inspections under various labor laws and relaxation of norms for public procurement, making it easier for startups to bid for government tenders.

Eligibility Criteria for Recognition

To avail the benefits of the Startup Odisha initiative, an entity must first be recognized as a startup. The criteria for this recognition are as follows:

• Entity Type: Must be a Private Limited Company, a Registered Partnership Firm, or an LLP.
• Age of Entity: The date of incorporation must not be prior to 7 years (10 years for Biotechnology startups).
• Annual Turnover: Annual turnover should not exceed ₹25 crore in any preceding financial year.
• Innovation: The entity must be working towards innovation, development, or commercialization of a new product or service.
• Registration: Must either be registered in Odisha or employ at least 50% of its qualified workforce in the state.

Application Process for Recognition

The application process is entirely online through the official portal. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official Startup Odisha portal.
2. Register: Create a new user account with your details.
3. Fill the Form: Complete the Startup Recognition Form with all the required information.
4. Self-Certification: Submit self-certified documents, including the incorporation certificate and proof of innovation (e.g., a short write-up on the innovative nature of the business).
5. Submit: Upon submission, the application will be reviewed by the Startup Secretariat and the Task Force for approval.

Important Official Portals and Contacts

There is a link below and to scroll.

• Startup Odisha Official Portal: The main website for all applications, information, and services. https://startupodisha.gov.in/
• MSME Department, Odisha: The nodal government department.
  • Official Website: https://msme.odisha.gov.in/
• Startup Odisha Hub Contact:
  • Address: 2nd Floor, Tower-A, Odisha Startup Incubation Centre (O-HUB), SEZ Road, Chandaka, Bhubaneswar - 751024.
  • Email: startup.odisha@gov.in
  • Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-345-7100 (Open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM)