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      Case Study - Odisha

      About the Government of Odisha

      Sector: Public Sector / State Government
      Partners: Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), National University of Singapore - Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS-AIDF)
      Focus Areas: Fintech, Insurtech, Talent Development, Policy and Ecosystem Building
      Timeline: 2025 to 2030

      The Government of Odisha has positioned Bhubaneswar as Eastern India’s gateway for financial innovation and talent development. In partnership with GFTN, the state launched the BharatNetra Initiative to establish India’s first Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH), a multi-stakeholder ecosystem connecting policy, skills, and investment.The initiative supports India’s Insurance for All by 2047 agenda and Odisha’s Vision 2036 to rank among India’s top five states by per capita income.

      The challenge

      Odisha sought to transform its expanding talent base into a competitive fintech and insurtech workforce and attract global investment to its eastern corridor.

      While India had strong innovation centres in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, the east lacked a dedicated hub that linked policy, talent, and technology with international markets.

      Odisha turned to GFTN for its global network and practitioner expertise in policy design, capacity building, and ecosystem development, ensuring its strategy aligned with local and overseas perspectives.

      What we did together

      Co-developed Odisha’s FinTech and Insurtech roadmap

      GFTN worked with the Government of Odisha to shape the BharatNetra Initiative under a four-pillar strategy: Global Learning, Global Mindshare, Global Innovation, and Global Capability Hub.
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      Designed a FinTech Centre of Excellence and Global Capability Hub

      GFTN helped design a FinTech Centre of Excellence and develop a Global Capability Centre (GCC) to attract financial institutions and corporates to Bhubaneswar’s emerging fintech district. In addition, GFTN provided structured incubation and acceleration programmes, mentorship, bootcamps, and market readiness support. Startups gain venture development support with global benchmarking, access to capital and partners, and tailored guidance on business models, compliance, and go-to-market strategies.

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      Launched a talent pipeline with NUS-AIDF

      Co-developed the Certificate in Fintech and Insurtech (CFI), a five-month programme delivered through NUS-AIDF, which will train 7,000 students over five years.

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      Positioned Odisha on the global stage

      The upcoming GFTN Forum Odisha and Black Swan Summit India from 4 to 5 February 2026 will convene policymakers, investors, and innovators to strengthen the state’s role in India’s digital finance agenda.

       
      Positioned Odisha on the global stage

      Outcomes

      Early impact and momentum:

      7,000 students will be trained over five years, with the first cohort of 375 launched and more than 2,000 applications received.
      Up to 1,500 jobs are planned through the GCC and wider ecosystem growth.
      Policy frameworks and infrastructure are under development, including Odisha’s Fintech and GCC policies and a proposed cable landing station connecting to Singapore.
      International recognition through GFTN Forums and global media coverage as India’s first state-level fintech capability hub.
      The BharatNetra Initiative demonstrates how GFTN Advisory and its global partners help governments build scalable, inclusive innovation ecosystems.

      How we work together

      Policy and ecosystem development
      Policy and ecosystem development
      GFTN provides practitioner-led guidance to translate Odisha’s innovation ambitions into strategic frameworks for fintech growth.
      Capacity building and talent development
      Capacity building and talent development
      Through partnerships with leading universities such as NUS-AIDF, GFTN supports the state in building a globally certified fintech talent pool.
      Innovation Acceleration
      Innovation Acceleration
      The Centre of Excellence drives digital transformation by supporting startups with incubation, venture capital access, and expert mentorship to scale fintech and insurtech solutions worldwide. It also functions as a Global Capability Centre (GCC), providing both startups and mid-to-large enterprises with a cost-effective, supportive ecosystem designed for operational scalability.
      Global mindshare and visibility
      Global mindshare and visibility
      GFTN Forums connect Odisha to decision-makers across Asia, Africa, and Europe, creating pathways for investment and knowledge exchange.

      WORK WITH US

      Build the foundations for your innovation ecosystem

      Work with GFTN Solutions to design the policies, talent pipelines, and partnerships that turn ambition into long-term growth.
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