Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha in collaboration with the Singapore headquartered Global Finance and Technology Network GFTN has officially launched the inaugural Black Swan Summit India in Bhubaneswar. The two day event which commenced today marks a significant milestone in the state’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for Artificial Intelligence FinTech and InsurTech.
The summit is part of the BharatNetra initiative a strategic program aimed at transforming Odisha into a powerhouse for digital innovation and workforce readiness. Minister Electronics & IT, Dr.Mukesh Mahaling graced the Summit.
Speaking at the event Shri Vishal Kumar Dev Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy and Electronics and IT Department stated that global FinTech companies are partnering with Odisha to identify and build a digital workforce for the future of the industry.
ACS Shri Dev emphasized that the state is not merely participating in the global digital economy but is positioning itself to help shape it as a frontline contributor to the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
A central highlight of the opening day was the graduation of the first cohort of 195 students from a specialized five month hybrid FinTech and InsurTech program. This training was developed in partnership with the National University of Singapore’s Asian Institute of Digital Finance.
To support these graduates and foster local enterprise the state government signed 17 Memorandums of Understanding with major industry players including Bajaj General Insurance Spice Money and Vayana. These agreements are designed to create a direct pipeline from classroom to career ensuring job placements and market access for emerging startups.
The event has drawn over 1700 delegates from 24 countries and nearly 100 global speakers. GFTN Group CEO Shri Sopnendu Mohanty noted that the collaboration offers a blueprint for state governments to strengthen national competitiveness by connecting directly to global digital networks. He highlighted that Bhubaneswar is rapidly emerging as an eastern gateway for Asia Pacific financial innovation.
The summit continues tomorrow with a scheduled appearance by President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. Discussions will focus on the deployment of AI as a workforce multiplier and the creation of global capability centers within the state.