Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar, October 10
The two-day O-LEAD 2026 – Odisha: The Global Growth Hub, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), concluded in Bhubaneswar on Saturday with a strong emphasis on industry-led skill development, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation-driven economic growth.
Addressing the valedictory session at Hotel Swosti Premium, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development and Technical Education Department, Government of Odisha, stressed the need to equip students with relevant skills early to improve employment opportunities and reduce migration to metropolitan cities for low-paying jobs.
He called upon industries to take greater responsibility for skill development, institutional management, research and commercialisation of innovations, highlighting the importance of connecting academic research with practical industrial applications.
Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner for East and North East India, highlighted the India-UK Shared Vision 2035, emphasising collaboration in education, AI research, curriculum development and teacher training.
Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar underscored the potential of responsible AI to improve access to education and strengthen sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and disaster management. Lok Sabha MP Dr Rabinarayan Behera stressed inclusive AI development, language diversity and integrating AI into student curricula to prepare young people for emerging technological challenges.
In her vote of thanks, Parminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director and Head, States and UTs, ASSOCHAM, advocated stronger collaboration among industry, academia and startups. She encouraged industries to identify real-world challenges and invite innovative solutions through a “reverse pitching” approach.
The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and academic representatives to explore future-ready skills, startup development and research-led growth.
The discussions reaffirmed that Odisha’s emergence as a global growth hub will depend on responsible technology adoption, stronger partnerships and translating innovation into tangible economic and social benefits.
