Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward fostering collaboration and innovation in the technology sector, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region ICT Sub-Committee and the CII Odisha State IT Panel convened a joint meeting for the year 2025–2026. The event brought together key government officials, industry leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on the evolving digital landscape and the strategic role of Eastern India in shaping the future of technology.
The meeting was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Mr. Manas Ranjan Panda, Special Secretary, Electronics & Information Technology Department, Government of Odisha; Mr. Prosenjit Sengupta, Chairman, CII Eastern Region; Mr. Manojit Sengupta, Co-Chairman, CII Eastern Region; along with several senior representatives from the industry.
The session commenced with a warm welcome and a brief introduction of all dignitaries and the organizations they represented. This set the stage for a day of insightful discussions and collaborative ideation. The Chairman of CII Eastern Region, Mr. Prosenjit Sengupta, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and the purpose of the joint meeting. He highlighted the need for a unified approach to policy advocacy, ecosystem development and talent nurturing across the Eastern states.
Following the keynote, two comprehensive presentations were delivered by the leadership of CII, focusing on the startup ecosystem in the Eastern Region. These presentations showcased the region’s growing entrepreneurial spirit, emerging innovation hubs and the support mechanisms being developed to empower startups. The speakers underscored the importance of infrastructure, mentorship and funding access in building a robust startup culture.
The highlight of the event was the address by Mr. Manas Ranjan Panda, who was invited to speak on the IT ecosystem of Odisha. In his engaging and forward-looking talk, Mr. Panda outlined the state’s progressive vision for digital transformation. He elaborated on the various policies already in place and those in the pipeline, aimed at making Odisha a preferred destination for IT and electronics investments.
Mr. Panda emphasized that Bhubaneswar and other cities in Odisha offer a comprehensive value proposition for the IT industry, including a proactive, investor-friendly government, a thriving ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity and a vast talent pool. He noted that the state is not merely announcing policies but is also committed to implementing operational guidelines (OGs) within months of policy launches to ensure swift and effective execution.
In a particularly impactful statement, Mr. Panda stressed that states in India should complement rather than compete with each other in the journey toward national digital empowerment. He called for greater inter-state collaboration and knowledge sharing to build a cohesive and inclusive digital India.
The session then transitioned into an interactive Q&A segment, where industry leaders and stakeholders posed a range of questions to Mr. Panda. He responded with clarity and patience, addressing concerns and offering insights into the government’s strategic direction. The dialogue was enriching, with several valuable suggestions and ideas emerging from the floor.
One of the key themes that resonated during the discussion was the need for stronger academia-industry collaboration. Participants highlighted the importance of aligning academic curricula with industry needs, fostering research partnerships and creating platforms for student innovation. Mr. Panda welcomed these suggestions and assured the audience of the government’s openness to collaborative initiatives.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Prosenjit Sengupta and Mr. Manojit Sengupta, who expressed their gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions. They reiterated CII’s commitment to working closely with the government and industry to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the region.
This joint meeting marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to position Eastern India, particularly Odisha, as a dynamic hub for technology and innovation. By bringing together policymakers, industry veterans and thought leaders, the event underscored the power of collaboration in shaping a future-ready digital economy.
As Odisha continues to roll out forward-thinking policies and foster a conducive environment for IT and startup growth, platforms like these serve as catalysts for meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships and inclusive development.
