Statewide initiative to cover all 30 districts with AI support, mentorship and funding access; special focus on women, tribal and grassroots innovators
Bhubaneswar, October 5, 2026: In a major push to strengthen Odisha’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Swabalambi Odisha has launched ‘Idea Marathon 2026’, a statewide initiative to identify, mentor and support promising business ideas emerging from across the state.
The programme will reach educational institutions and entrepreneurial communities in all 30 districts of Odisha, creating opportunities for students, women entrepreneurs, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators and emerging startups to transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Interested participants can submit their business ideas until November 4, 2026. Selected ideas will receive structured support in areas including business model development, market validation, mentorship, financial planning, professional guidance, funding facilitation and market access.
Speaking at a press conference, Sadashiba Mishra, Chairman, Swabalambi Odisha, said that a good idea alone is not sufficient to build a successful enterprise. Entrepreneurs also need sustained mentorship, market access, financial guidance and a supportive ecosystem to survive and grow.
The initiative will further strengthen its support through AI-enabled assistance for business planning, research, documentation, marketing and other early-stage entrepreneurial requirements.
Dr. Rosalin Patasani Mishra, Social Entrepreneur, highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for women-led and socially impactful enterprises. The initiative aims to encourage greater participation of women entrepreneurs, with a focus on 33% representation, while promoting social entrepreneurship as a tool to address grassroots challenges.
A special emphasis has also been placed on tribal entrepreneurship, recognising the enormous potential of traditional knowledge, indigenous crafts, agriculture, local resources and community-based enterprises to generate sustainable livelihoods and connect local products with wider markets.
With participation from educational institutions, corporates, banks, investors, industry bodies and mentors, Idea Marathon 2026 seeks to build a stronger bridge between innovative ideas and the resources required to turn them into viable businesses.
The initiative is expected to create a wider platform for Odisha’s young innovators and grassroots entrepreneurs, helping local ideas gain mentorship, technology, finance and market opportunities while contributing to employment generation and inclusive economic growth.
Key Information
Initiative: Idea Marathon 2026
Organiser: Swabalambi Odisha
Coverage: All 30 districts of Odisha
Focus: Students, women, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators and startups
Idea Submission Deadline: November 4, 2026
Support: AI assistance, mentorship, business planning, market validation, financial guidance, funding facilitation and market access
