Bhubaneswar, 10 November 2026:A delegation from Tottori Prefecture, Japan, visited Startup Odisha at O-Hub, Bhubaneswar, on 10 November 2026, to strengthen cooperation between the startup ecosystems of Odisha and Japan and explore opportunities for international business collaboration, institutional partnerships and cross-border linkages.
The delegation comprised Mr. Toru Sasaki, Director General, Department of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Tottori Prefectural Government; Ms. Yoshioka, Director, San-in Godo Bank Co. Ltd.; and Mr. Kazuhiko Ikeda, President, Tottori Prefectural Industrial Promotion Organization, along with a corporate delegation from Japan.
In a separate development, an MoU was signed between Sustainability Leaders Odisha Pvt. Ltd. (a startup from Odisha) and ONESTRUCTION Inc. (a business organisation from Tottori). Today marks progress towards business collaboration between enterprises from Odisha and Japan. The agreement follows the initial discussions held during the Tottori delegation's visit to Odisha on 30th July 2026 and subsequent follow-up engagements, reflecting the efforts to translate initial interactions into concrete business linkages.
Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Hon'ble Minister, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Government of Odisha, also addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and expanding business opportunities through international cooperation.
Ms. Rashmita Panda, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, MSME Department and Chairperson, Startup Odisha, addressed the gathering and highlighted the State Government's commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem, promoting innovation and facilitating international partnerships.
Shri Smruti Ranjan Pradhan, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Startup Odisha, delivered a welcome address, followed by addresses from members of the Japanese delegation. The delegates also visited the Startup Showcase Stall, gaining insights into the innovative products, technologies and entrepreneurial initiatives emerging from Odisha's startup ecosystem.
A video presentation on the Startup Odisha ecosystem provided an overview of the State's initiatives, institutional support mechanisms, and efforts to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup growth.
Odisha-based startups also presented their innovative ventures, products and solutions to the visiting delegation, showcasing the State's entrepreneurial capabilities and providing an opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation with Japanese companies.
The next session featured Business-to-Business (B2B) interactions between Odisha-based startups and companies from Tottori Prefecture. The interactions provided a platform for business networking, exchange of ideas and discussions on potential partnerships, market opportunities and areas of mutual interest between entrepreneurs and industry representatives from both regions and in sectors-Agriculture, Construction, AI, Manufacturing, Sustainability, and Healthcare.
The engagement marks an important step towards strengthening Odisha's international startup linkages and expanding opportunities for cross-border business collaboration. Through this partnership, Startup Odisha seeks to facilitate sustained institutional engagement, promote business connections and provide global exposure to emerging enterprises from the State, further strengthening cooperation between the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems of Odisha and Japan.