Utkal University and HDFC Bank Ink MoU for Development of Startups in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Centre for Innovation and Incubation, Utkal University has entered into an MoU for the development of Startups in Odisha.

The MoU was signed between Prof Dr Sabita Acharya VC Utkal University and Mr Ajit Kumar Padhy, Deputy Vice President, HDFC Bank, in the presence Dr Arun Sahoo, Minister, Higher Education.

The Event was chaired by PROF. Dr Sabita Acharya, Vice Chancellor and Shri Deepak Kumar Singh, Zonal Head, HDFC Bank, Odisha. Other senior officials from the Government Department, Bankers, officials from incubation Centre and Startups were present.

CEO, Startup Odisha, introduced the fraternity with the budding ecosystem and emphasized how Startup Odisha has been pivotal in nurturing them and laid emphasis on how bankers should develop innovative banking solutions for them.

Speaking at the event, minister Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo highlighted the initiatives of HDFC as a pioneer in supporting educational institutions through its CSR programme. Dr Sahoo appreciated the work done by Utkal University in setting up Centre for Innovation and Incubation for promoting startups and creating an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem for students.

Prof Sabita Acharya eloquently expressed that Utkal University is poised to act as the catalyst for student entrepreneurs in creating innovative ideas and carrying them forward. Prof Acharya spoke about the strengths and heritage of the University which can be leveraged to establish a collaborative path for nurturing young minds of the state.

Deepak Kumar Singh, Zonal Head, HDFC Bank Odisha, addressed the startup’s about banks offering for startups under flagship program SMART UP and interacted with the Startups. HDFC Bank has been giving grants under their CSR to various startups in Odisha since 2017.