Odisha and Japan Deepen Startup and Business Collaboration with Key MoU at O-Hub
Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: In a significant move to strengthen international business cooperation and innovation-driven growth, Startup Odisha hosted a high-level delegation from Japan’s Tottori Prefecture at O-Hub in Bhubaneswar, creating new opportunities for collaboration between the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Odisha and Japan.
The visit focused on expanding business partnerships, institutional cooperation, and market access for startups and enterprises from both regions.
The Japanese delegation was led by Toru Sasaki, Director General of the Department of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Tottori Prefectural Government; Yoshioka, Director of San-in Godo Bank Co. Ltd.; and Kazuhiko Ikeda, President of the Tottori Prefectural Industrial Promotion Organisation.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sustainability Leaders Odisha Pvt. Ltd. and ONESTRUCTION Inc. of Japan.
The agreement marks the culmination of discussions initiated during the Japanese delegation’s earlier visit and represents a concrete step toward enhanced commercial engagement between businesses from Odisha and Tottori Prefecture.
Addressing the gathering, Gokulananda Mallik, Odisha’s Minister for MSME, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, emphasised the state’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through global partnerships.
Rashmita Panda, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the MSME Department and Chairperson of Startup Odisha, reiterated the government’s vision of building a globally connected startup ecosystem.
The event also featured presentations highlighting Odisha’s startup policies, institutional support mechanisms, and innovative ventures.
Smruti Ranjan Pradhan, IAS and CEO of Startup Odisha, welcomed the delegates and outlined the state’s efforts to position Odisha as a leading innovation hub.
To promote meaningful business engagement, the programme included focused B2B networking sessions connecting Odisha startups with Japanese companies.
Discussions covered key sectors such as agriculture and sustainability, construction and manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and healthcare.
The visit underscored the growing partnership between Odisha and Japan and highlighted the potential for greater collaboration in innovation, technology, investment, and entrepreneurship in the years ahead.
