FTBI's 'MCL Startup Carnival 2026' Promotes Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Odisha
The MCL Startup Carnival 2026 was successfully organised by the Foundation for Technology Business Incubation (FTBI)- NIT Rourkela to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup culture in the region. The carnival provided a vibrant platform for startups to showcase their products and prototypes, share their success stories, and interact with industry experts and investors.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Jyotirmay Sinha, GM (CSR), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). The carnival also witnessed the presence of the distinguished Guest of Honour, Shri Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, who joined the program virtually. Other eminent dignitaries present at the event included Mr S. M. Krishna Reddy, GM (Operations & Maintenance), GAIL (India) Limited; Shri Arun Khemani, GM (IT), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO); and Shri P. K. Gupta, Director, MSME Development & Facilitation Office, Ministry of MSME, Government of India. The event was presided over by Prof. Subrata Kumar Panda, President of FTBI, NIT Rourkela.
During the inaugural session, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of innovation-driven startups in strengthening the Indian economy and generating employment opportunities. They appreciated the role of FTBI, NIT Rourkela, in nurturing innovative startups and building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Several innovative startups participated in the carnival and showcased their products and prototypes to industry experts, investors, and government officials. The exhibition created an excellent platform for startups to demonstrate their technologies and explore collaboration opportunities with industries such as MCL, GAIL, NALCO, JSW Steel, and MSME organizations. During the event, Mr. Chiranjibi Samal, CEO of FTBI, stated that FTBI is continuously working to support innovative startups by providing mentoring, incubation facilities, industry linkages, and access to government funding schemes.
The carnival also recognised and felicitated several startups for their outstanding contribution to innovation and entrepreneurship. Awards such as Most Promising Startup of the Year, Pioneer Startup of the Year, and Emerging Startup of the Year were presented to startups, including Teezas Labs Pvt. Ltd., Eunora Technology Pvt. Ltd., Aurassure Pvt. Ltd., Coratia Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Phoenix Robotix Pvt. Ltd., and Publiconn Digital Pvt. Ltd.
The event further featured startup success stories, experience-sharing sessions, and a panel discussion on “Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Startup Opportunities in India.” The panel discussion included industry leaders and startup founders who shared valuable insights on emerging technologies, challenges faced by startups, and future opportunities in the Indian startup ecosystem.
The program concluded with an interactive session among startups, industry representatives, investors, and policymakers, strengthening collaboration and encouraging innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
