Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs: IIT-Bhubaneswar Partners with Odisha Livelihoods Mission

In a significant move to empower rural women entrepreneurs, IIT-Bhubaneswar has partnered with the Odisha Livelihoods Mission. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive business support, including planning, product development, and market access. With an investment of Rs 10.70 crore approved by the Ministry of Rural Development, the initiative will foster growth-oriented rural enterprises over the next three years. The program is set to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling self-help groups to evolve into small and medium enterprises. Additionally, IIT-Bhubaneswar will assist in securing patents for unique products from Odisha, enhancing their market presence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 18:49 IST

Collaboration to Boost Rural Entrepreneurship

Bhubaneswar: On Monday, the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Bhubaneswar aimed at enhancing business opportunities for women entrepreneurs in rural areas of the state.

This partnership will provide essential support in various areas including business strategy, product innovation, quality improvement, market access, financial resources, and professional networking, as stated by Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the Women & Child Development and Mission Shakti departments.

As part of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), a new incubation initiative is being introduced through the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) to foster the development of rural enterprises throughout Odisha. IIT-Bhubaneswar will act as the incubation partner for this program, according to officials.

Over the next three years, the incubation initiative aims to assist at least 150 rural enterprises focused on growth.

The Ministry of Rural Development has allocated a budget of Rs 10.70 crore for this program, with an initial funding of Rs 99 lakh approved for IIT-Bhubaneswar to kickstart the initiative, Parida noted.

This incubation program is anticipated to cultivate a dynamic entrepreneurial environment in the state, facilitating the transition of self-help groups (SHGs) into small and medium-sized enterprises.

Under the terms of the agreement, IIT-Bhubaneswar will also aid in obtaining patents and process certifications to establish distinct identities for select products originating from Odisha.