BharatNetra: One Vision, One Future

Skilling | Jobs

Odisha Trains the Next Generation Global Digital Finance Workforce

The Government of Odisha, in partnership with the National University of Singapore (NUS-AIDF)* and GFTN, has successfully graduated its first Certificate in FinTech & Insurtech (CFI) cohort. The programme is already delivering global impact: 60+ graduates secured internships and job offers from leading financial institutions, and the winning capstone group was invited to travel to Tokyo to attend the GFTN Japan Forum, where they presented their project to the MUFG team and received funding to launch. Additionally, the top six students from the cohort will attend the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2026.

Building on this momentum, registration for Cohort 2 is now open, with eligibility expanded to more colleges across the state to democratize access to world-class training. Over the next five years, the initiative will equip 7,000 students with industry-ready skills in digital finance and emerging tech. Through hands-on projects and the GFTN placement ecosystem, Odisha is building a continuous talent pipeline to support the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and position the state as a premier destination for financial innovation.

*National University of Singapore is ranked #8 globally and #1 in Asia (QS Ranking 2026)

Convene

Global Minds Connect at Black Swan Summit India 2026

The inaugural Black Swan Summit India, hosted in Bhubaneswar from 5–6 February 2026, marked a watershed moment for Odisha’s digital economy. Graced by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as Guest of Honour, the summit convened over 1,700 delegates from 24 countries and nearly 100 global speakers. The event served as a high-velocity execution platform, resulting in the signing of 14 strategic MOUs with global partners to accelerate the BharatNetra initiative, spanning AI infrastructure, talent placement, and cross-border startup corridors.

Anchoring GFTN’s flagship Black Swan Network, the summit now acts as a permanent bridge between Odisha and the world’s leading technology hubs. Through this network and GFTN’s wider suite of forums including the Singapore FinTech Festival, Point Zero Forum (Zurich), and the Inclusive FinTech Forum (Kigali). Odisha’s talent and startups gain direct access to international capital, regulatory dialogues, and global job pipelines. This ongoing exchange ensures that Odisha remains at the forefront of the global conversation on AI-enabled finance, quantum computing, and the future of the digital economy

Startups

FinTech Centre of Excellence at the Odisha Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar

Following a series of roadshows in early 2026, the Innovation Incubator officially launched on 9 March with a cohort of 25 high-potential FinTech and InsurTech companies. These startups are currently undergoing a structured four-month programme, receiving hands-on mentorship from global industry leaders and tailored guidance on regulatory compliance, business model scaling, and international go-to-market strategies.

Building on this momentum, the Innovation Accelerator is scheduled to commence in June 2026, with applications opening soon for growth-stage ventures. Supported by GFTN’s international expertise, the Centre provides a launchpad for startups to achieve global benchmarking and access to venture capital. By bridging the gap between local talent and global markets, the Centre of Excellence ensures that Odisha-based innovations are equipped to scale, compete, and lead in the evolving digital finance landscape.

Odisha to Build a Global Capability Centre (GCC) to Support the Digital Finance Sector

The Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bhubaneswar is designed as a strategic nearshore hub for financial institutions accessing India and the Asia-Pacific corridor. Leveraging the talent pipeline built through the I-GFTCH Global Learning initiative and GFTN’s international network, the Centre offers modern workspaces, advanced digital infrastructure, and integrated business services.

More than a cost-efficient model, the GCC enables collaboration among startups, corporates, and innovators, fostering knowledge exchange, accelerating product development, and driving cross-border partnerships that position Odisha as an emerging destination for innovation-driven financial services.