Odiapreneur 3.0 Rolled Out to Encourage Entrepreneurial Thinking Among Students
In a significant move to foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among the youth, the state government of Odisha has launched the third edition of the Odiapreneur initiative, known as Odiapreneur 3.0. This program aims to provide a platform for higher secondary students to showcase their creative solutions to real-world problems through a series of hackathons.
Overview of Odiapreneur 3.0
Odiapreneur 3.0 is designed to encourage students to think critically and innovatively. The initiative is spearheaded by the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) in collaboration with the Research and Entrepreneurship Park of IIT Bhubaneswar and UNICEF. The program aims to engage approximately 3,000 students from higher secondary schools and Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs), with the expectation of generating over 900 innovative ideas.
Key Features of the Initiative
- Hackathon Structure: The initiative will culminate in 30 district-level hackathons, where the top three teams from each district will qualify for the state-level competition.
- Timeline: The hackathons are scheduled to take place in December 2025 and January 2026.
- Participation: An estimated 3,000 students will participate, showcasing their innovative ideas.
- Mentorship: Selected innovative ideas will receive mentorship support from industry experts at the Research and Entrepreneurship Park.
- Rewards: Students will be awarded cash prizes at both the district and state levels for their innovative solutions.
Goals of Odiapreneur 3.0
The primary goal of Odiapreneur 3.0 is to promote technology-oriented innovation among students. By providing a platform for young minds to present their ideas, the initiative aims to:
- Encourage entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Foster collaboration among students from various educational institutions.
- Enhance the practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Provide mentorship and support to nurture the best ideas.
The Launch Event
The official launch of Odiapreneur 3.0 took place recently, with key stakeholders in attendance. Niyati Pattnaik, the director of higher secondary education, emphasized the importance of fostering innovation among students. She stated, “This hackathon will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their creative solutions to real-world problems and promote technology-oriented innovation.”
Role of IIT Bhubaneswar and UNICEF
The collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar and UNICEF is crucial for the success of Odiapreneur 3.0. Associate Professor Naresh Chandra Sahu from IIT Bhubaneswar highlighted that the best innovative ideas from students will receive mentorship from industry experts, which is essential for guiding young entrepreneurs. The partnership aims to leverage technological resources and expertise to support the participants throughout the hackathon process.
Registration Process
To facilitate student participation, the Odiapreneur 3.0 portal was launched, allowing students from over 1,500 higher secondary schools to register for the hackathon. This streamlined registration process is designed to encourage maximum participation and ensure that students have the opportunity to engage in this innovative experience.
Conclusion
Odiapreneur 3.0 represents a significant step towards nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among students in Odisha. By providing a platform for creativity and innovation, the initiative not only aims to solve real-world problems but also prepares students for future challenges in the business landscape. The culmination of this initiative in state-level hackathons will showcase the ingenuity of young minds and potentially lead to the development of viable solutions that can benefit society.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates regarding the Odiapreneur 3.0 initiative as of November 2025.
