Is Bhubaneswar a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Bhubaneswar has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Bhubaneswar gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Bhubaneswar

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Bhubaneswar offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Bhubaneswar's early-stage funding landscape is actively shaped by government initiatives like the Odisha Startup Policy, which offers incentives including seed funding and incubation support, aiming to foster 5,000 startups in five years. Startup Odisha plays a key role, managing a Fund of Funds with a Rs 100 Crore corpus for seed-stage capital. Angel networks such as SL Bhubaneshwar Angels are present, connecting startups with investors for funding and mentorship. While the ecosystem is growing, challenges persist, including limited access to funding beyond government schemes for many startups and difficulties in attracting investor confidence compared to more established hubs. Some reports also highlight issues with the ease and speed of administrative processes for startups. Despite these hurdles, the environment is seeing activity, with some startups successfully raising seed rounds from investors like Unicorn India Ventures.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Bhubaneswar has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Bhubaneswar has a developing startup and innovation culture, supported by government initiatives like Startup Odisha and numerous incubation centers affiliated with educational institutions and government bodies. The city ranks 18th in India for its startup ecosystem. There is a significant presence of coworking spaces offering flexible options for freelancers, startups, and SMEs. These spaces often host networking events. Tech events, including conferences and workshops on various technologies like AI and machine learning, are organized by groups like Google Developer Groups and educational institutions. Entrepreneurial activity is encouraged through various programs, including those aimed at students and women entrepreneurs. Early-stage founders receive support through incubators providing mentoring, seed funding assistance, and help with business model validation and product development. While standardized programs exist, there's also a focus on nurturing ideas from the ideation stage and providing tailored support through incubation.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Bhubaneswar can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Bhubaneswar, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Bhubaneswar is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Bhubaneswar has a growing talent pool for startups, fueled by numerous educational institutions like IIT, IIM, NISER, XIMB, KIIT, and over 60 engineering colleges, producing skilled graduates in engineering, science, and business. The city offers industry-specific skills, particularly in IT, with many companies providing software development, IT consulting, and BPO services. Skill development centers also offer training in areas like manufacturing, automation, and IT. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a close-knit tech community, incubation centers, and government initiatives like Startup Odisha, which provide funding, mentorship, and infrastructure. While challenges like access to angel investors exist, the ecosystem is improving, making Bhubaneswar an emerging tech hub.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Bhubaneswar can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Bhubaneswar boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Bhubaneswar offers a growing startup ecosystem with various infrastructure and support systems. Key resources include incubation centers like KIIT-TBI, AIC CV Raman Global University, and facilities at IIT Bhubaneswar and NIT Rourkela, providing space, mentoring, and lab access. The Odisha Startup Policy, managed by Startup Odisha, is a major government initiative offering incentives like seed funding, incubation support, and tax benefits. Programs like the 'Fund of Funds' scheme provide capital investment. The government also facilitates market access and encourages industry partnerships. Events like the Startup Bhubaneswar Expo connect startups with investors and mentors. These resources help businesses thrive by providing necessary infrastructure, funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Bhubaneswar. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Bhubaneswar Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Bhubaneswar provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Bhubaneswar may encounter several challenges. Competition exists, with both established players and a growing number of new ventures vying for market share. While the cost of living in Bhubaneswar is generally lower than in major metropolitan cities, which can be an advantage for startups in terms of operational costs and attracting talent, securing funding remains a significant hurdle for many. Regulatory issues and navigating legal compliance can also pose difficulties for new businesses. Additionally, finding skilled professionals can be a challenge as some talent migrates to larger cities for opportunities.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Bhubaneswar or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Bhubaneswar offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash