IIM Sambalpur, Ahmedabad launch AI4Odisha initiative for MSMEs and entrepreneurs

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur and Ahmedabad have come together to launch the AI4Odisha initiative, an effort aimed at helping MSMEs and local entrepreneurs use artificial intelligence to improve and grow their businesses.

The initiative was launched during a workshop titled “AI for business growth: from local markets to national reach”, which was virtually inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. More than 350 participants from industries across western Odisha attended the event.

The workshop focused on how small businesses can practically use AI in areas such as customer engagement, marketing, workflow management and decision-making to become more competitive in the digital economy.

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Importance of AI for MSMEs

Speaking at the event, Mahadeo Jaiswal said, “MSMEs contribute 30% to India’s GDP and generate 67% employment in India, making them the backbone of the Indian economy. As India moves toward doubling its GDP in the next five years, Artificial Intelligence will be a transformative tool for small businesses by enabling smarter customer assessment, deeper customer engagement, and more efficient supplier management. IIM Sambalpur and IIM Ahmedabad remain committed to nurture entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to lead India’s next phase of inclusive economic growth.”

Dharmendra Pradhan, while inaugurating the workshop virtually, said AI is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs across both urban and rural India. He said such initiatives would support the vision of building a more technology-driven and inclusive economy.

Practical AI use in business operations

Bharat Bhasker said the workshop had been designed to make AI easier and more accessible for MSMEs in their everyday business activities.

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“This AI workshop is designed in a practical manner to help MSMEs get benefitted on a daily basis. AI tools can help entrepreneurs identify not only new customers and analyse consumer behaviour but also identify repeat customers, and streamline supplier and business operations.”

The event also included hands-on sessions by industry experts and technology professionals, who demonstrated how AI tools can be used for marketing, customer management and improving operational efficiency.

Representatives from companies and platforms such as Microsoft, ZOHO and other AI ecosystem partners were also part of the workshop discussions.

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IIM Sambalpur and Ahmedabad aim to support entrepreneurs in smaller cities

According to the organisers, the AI4Odisha initiative is focused on building a stronger technology ecosystem for entrepreneurs and MSMEs in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

The institutions said the initiative is intended to encourage local businesses to adopt emerging technologies and expand beyond regional markets.

IIM Sambalpur has been actively working on entrepreneurship and innovation-focused programmes in recent years, including incubation support and partnerships aimed at helping local businesses and weavers connect with larger platforms and markets.