The first-ever TiEcon Bhubaneswar summit is set to gather a global community of entrepreneurs, marking a new chapter in Odisha’s journey as a hub for innovation
Nilambar Rath
The entrepreneurial landscape of Odisha is poised for a significant transformation as TiE Bhubaneswar, a chapter of the global not-for-profit network, prepares to host its first-ever national-level entrepreneurship summit, TiEcon 2025.
Scheduled for August 9-10 in the state capital, the event, themed “Celebration of Entrepreneurs,” marks a pivotal moment for the regional ecosystem and is expected to attract a diverse gathering of thought leaders, investors, and innovators from both India and abroad.
After 13 years of its presence and participation in fostering entrepreneurship in the region, TiE Bhubaneswar’s effort to bring the prestigious TiEcon brand to the state has been widely hailed as a major milestone. The two-day summit, which has received support from the Government of Odisha, aims to place the state on the global business map by showcasing its potential as a compelling destination for innovation and enterprise.
Speaking at a press conference to outline the event’s objectives and key activities, Ayaskanta Mohanty, President of TiE Bhubaneswar, shared the vision behind the summit. “We are incredibly proud to host TiEcon 2025, an event that is more than just a conference—it’s a powerful platform to position our state on the global business map,” he stated.
“The objective is clear: to celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of Odisha’s entrepreneurs while providing them with unprecedented access to global networks, mentorship, and investment connections,” add Ayaskanta.
The summit is expected to be a large-scale affair, drawing over 500 delegates. The participant list includes over 100 national and international guests from countries such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, the UAE, and the USA. This global participation is a testament to the growing interest in Odisha as a hub for new ventures and the reach of the TiE network.
TiE Global, founded in Silicon Valley in 1992, has grown into the world’s largest network of its kind, with 61 chapters across 14 countries. Its extensive network of over 15,000 members and 3,000 Charter Members, has been instrumental in creating businesses with a market capitalization exceeding US$100 billion.
As highlighted at the media briefing TiEcon 2025 will be unveiling four ambitious initiatives designed to create a more robust and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem within Odisha. These initiatives are:
Voice of Entrepreneurs: A grassroots program aimed at connecting with entrepreneurs across the state to understand their challenges and channel feedback to relevant government authorities for better policymaking.
100 Women Entrepreneurs of Odisha: A campaign to identify, recognize, and celebrate women entrepreneurs, from different parts of the region, providing them with a platform to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Entrepreneurship in School Curriculum: An ambitious project to promote integrating entrepreneurial education into the school system, helping to cultivate an innovative mindset from an early age.
TiE Presence in Every Block: A strategic expansion plan to ensure that the resources and support of TiE Bhubaneswar are accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs in every corner of the state.
Further demonstrating a forward-looking approach, the second day of the summit will feature a dedicated session on “AI and Entrepreneurship.” This session will bring together national and international experts to discuss Odisha’s state-specific AI policy and explore how artificial intelligence technologies are reshaping business models and creating new opportunities for startups. This focus aligns with TiE Global’s recent emphasis on the “AI Revolution” and its commitment to keeping entrepreneurs at the forefront of technological change.
“This summit represents a critical convergence of local ambition and global opportunity, promising to have a lasting impact on Odisha’s entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the specific sessions and initiatives, the very presence of the TiECon brand in Bhubaneswar serves as a symbol of the immense potential of eastern India. It provides a crucial platform for local entrepreneurs to interact with seasoned mentors, potential investors, and a global community that can help accelerate their growth,” explains the President TiE Bhubaneswar.
OdishaLIVE, a leading digital channel, is supporting the event as its Communication Partner.
(A veteran media personality, communication specialist and SBCC expert, the author is the Editor of OdishaLIVE and OdishaPlus, leading the strategy for their digital and social media channels. Views Expressed are Personal.)