From a humble garage in Kendrapara to a recognised startup, Das Talent Engineering exemplifies how grassroots innovation and Startup Odisha are transforming local ideas into scalable engineering solutions
(OdishaPlus Business)
A tyre that refused to come off easily, a mechanic wrestling with the same challenge every day, and a simple question – “Can this work become easier?” – became the first chapter of Odisha based startup Das Talent Engineering’s journey.
Inside a small garage in Kendrapara, a challenge from everyday repair work gradually evolved into an idea for a machine. Unlike many technology startups that begin in corporate offices or research institutions, this Odisha startup grew out of a mechanic’s first-hand experience with a recurring problem.
Nirakar Das, who repairs cycles and two-wheelers, noticed that changing tyres was a physically demanding and time-consuming task for mechanics. This experience led him to develop a semi-automatic tyre fitting and tyre changer machine designed for small automobile workshops. The machine includes components such as a bead breaker, rotating wheel platform and mounting arm to assist in tyre servicing.
“I am a cycle and bike repairing mechanic. Changing tyres is a very physically demanding task. It took nearly one-and-a-half years of dedicated hard work to design this tyre-changing machine. The machine works with electricity or fuel. Startup Odisha has announced a grant of Rs 15 lakh, of which I have already received Rs 7.5 lakh. Due to this financial support, I am moving ahead,” said Nirakar Das.
The startup, founded in 2025, is currently at the prototype development and validation stage. The company has secured a patent and received recognition from Startup Odisha and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It is working towards refining the machine and preparing for commercial production.
For Nirakar’s son and company Director Tirtha Sarathi Das, the journey reflects the challenge of converting a practical idea into a formal venture. “It is a big achievement to develop such a machine from a small garage. After my father applied for a patent and got approval, we received a call from Startup Odisha, where we were guided to register the startup,” he said.
The startup aims to address the needs of small and medium automobile workshops, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where expensive imported equipment may not be accessible. It is now focusing on prototype improvement, field testing and building a manufacturing pathway.
The startup’s journey exemplifies how Startup Odisha initiative, under the MSME Department of Odisha Government, foster innovation through policy support, mentorship, incubation, market linkages, and funding access. Originating from a local workshop challenge, the venture developed an indigenous automobile support equipment solution, contributing to Odisha’s economic and technological advancement.
