Resurgent Odisha 2024 : Odisha Government Prioritizes Defence and Aerospace Sectors

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is putting a strong emphasis on the defence and aerospace sectors as key areas of focus for the state’s industrial growth. “In the coming days, the government’s focus will continue. There are a variety of opportunities for the sector that investors can avail of,” said Kalyan Mohanty, Executive Director of IPICOL, during the second day of the three-day global trade show ‘Resurgent Odisha 2024,’ organized by Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (UCCIL) at Janta Maidan.
The panel discussion, featuring industry leaders such as Guru Biswal, CEO, Aerospace; Sudhanshu Mohan Jena, Executive Director, HAL (Koraput); Lt Gen A K Samantara, former DG, Infantry; and Gyan Ranjan Mohanty of Corogen Protection, highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced by the state in producing defence equipment. The panel emphasized the importance of start-ups in the sector understanding the quality standards required by the Department of Defense and underscored the need to take budding entrepreneurs on industry tours. Brigadier L C Patnaik of UCCIL coordinated the session.
In another seminar focused on logistics and transportation infrastructure in Odisha, the discussion centered on alternative transport systems. Speakers stressed the importance of constructing small helipads to provide relief and medical supplies to cyclone-hit areas in Odisha. They also noted the rapid evolution of transportation systems due to technological advancements, particularly the development of drones and electric captors, which hold immense potential for the civil aviation sector. The session was coordinated by J K Rath of UCCIL and featured speakers such as Subrata Tripathy, Group Advisor, Adani Ports & SEZ; Suresh Mishra, Former Professor, IIT Kharagpur; and Amit Dutta, MD, Hunch Mobility (Aviation).
The third panel discussion explored the possibilities for new-generation industries and exports. Organised by S S Mohanty of UCCIL, the session highlighted opportunities in the fields of electric vehicles (EV), semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI). Speakers emphasized that Odisha has a wealth of skilled manpower and that there is significant potential to set up industries across various sectors, from supply chain to vendor development. They also pointed out the vast scope for exports in IT, software, and medical devices. Panelists included Shripad Karmakar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar; Sujay Shetty, Managing Director, PwC India; and Saurav Kishore, Deputy Head, Dun & Bradstreet.
A session on the ease of doing business with a focus on digitisation and AI for MSMEs followed. Speakers, including P K Gupta, Joint Director-DFO, MSME; Ramesh Kumar, Director, PwC (ESDM); Ajay Mahasur, Director Sales, Don & Bradstreet; and Natasha Jha, Project Head, Tata Steel, discussed how MSMEs can benefit from digitisation, making it easier to secure funding and conduct business with larger industries. The panel also highlighted the importance of embracing developments in Artificial Intelligence to gain a competitive edge. The session was moderated by Sanjeev Mohapatra of UCCIL.
The final session of the day focused on the empowerment of women through entrepreneurship. Speakers emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship as a means of empowering women socially, economically, and holistically. They noted that women who embrace entrepreneurship can become financially independent and contribute to the growth of their families, society, and the national economy. Speakers included Namrata Mishra, CEO, KIT-TBI; Ch. Jyoshna Das, convenor of WTC women forum; Monika Nayyar Patnaik, Managing Director, Samvad Group; Jayshree Mohanty, President, Luminous Infoways; and Nilanjana Mukherjee, MD, Calling Hospital.