IIT Bhubaneswar Signs MoU with Odisha Livelihoods Mission to Transform SHGs into MSMEs

Bhubaneswar, 8^thJune 2026: In a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, IIT Bhubaneswar and the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, marking the launch of a structured incubation initiative aimed at transforming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The MoU was exchanged between Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, representing IIT Bhubaneswar, and Ms. Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Odisha on 8^th June 2026.Ms. Mansi Nimbhal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Department of Mission Shakti, Odisha; and Dr Monika Priyadarshini, IAS, Director, Mission Shakti, also graced the occasion.

Under this initiative, each incubatee will receive end-to-end support for Udyam registration, regulatory compliances, and enterprise certifications. IIT Bhubaneswar will also extend its technical expertise to file patents and facilitate product certifications for select niche products of the state, aimed at building distinctive regional recognition and market identity.

The project will be led by Dr. Nihar Ranjan Jena, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Dukhabandhu Sahoo, Associate Professor, School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, IIT Bhubaneswar.

The initiative is expected to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Odisha, providing SHGs with the institutional backing needed to scale their enterprises and integrate into the formal economy.