Bhubaneswar: On Friday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) under the BharatNetra initiative, aimed at connecting India with the Asia Pacific Innovation Corridor. The launch event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha's Electronics & IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and Sopnendu Mohanty, CEO of the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN). Majhi described this initiative as a game-changer for Odisha's financial landscape, emphasizing its potential to enhance India's position in the digital economy.

The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha's pivotal role in propelling India towards becoming a global economic powerhouse. This hub is a collaborative effort between the Odisha government and Singapore's GFTN, along with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF). Majhi announced that over 7,000 students from all 30 districts will receive skill training through certification programs developed by AIDF at NUS. He noted that this initiative stemmed from Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's visit to Odisha earlier this year.

Majhi also mentioned plans to support startups and entrepreneurs by creating a dedicated Centre of Excellence within the I-GFTCH, which will also feature a Global Capability Centre (GCC). He stated that Odisha is preparing to introduce a GCC Policy to attract international financial institutions and investments. Additionally, a cable landing station linking Bhubaneswar to Singapore is in the works to enhance the state's digital infrastructure.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Odisha is the first state to implement an AI Policy and is also developing a FinTech Policy and GCC Policy to draw global investments. He emphasized that Odisha is cultivating a robust talent pipeline, producing approximately 180,000 graduates annually in engineering, polytechnics, and IT fields, along with skilled youth from 950 ITIs.

Majhi highlighted the establishment of a Deep Neural Network Laboratory and other Centres of Excellence, stating, "Our vision is to position Odisha as the research capital of the east." He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Central government's approval of two semiconductor fabrication units in Odisha, noting that semiconductors are crucial for the digital economy and that Odisha is proud to lead this national initiative.

During the event, the CM also launched the BharatNetra Hackathon Website and announced a comprehensive GCC program. Pradhan remarked that Odisha's vision aligns with India's national priority of equipping the state's youth for the global digital economy.

The BharatNetra initiative is set to create new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities while reinforcing India's leadership in financial inclusion and innovation. The CEO of GFTN stated that this initiative will redefine Odisha's strategic role as India's gateway to the Asia-Pacific financial technology corridor. Mahaling added that the I-GFTCH will focus on four key areas: Global Learning, Global Mindshare, Global Innovation, and Global Capability Hub, developed in partnership with GFTN. Over the next five years, this initiative aims to equip 7,000 students across the state with essential skills in technology, regulation, and business for careers in financial technology.