IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Sambalpur Launch AI4Odisha Initiative for MSMEs Growth

Updated on May 18, 2026 Written By Pragya Tripathi

Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad organised an Artificial Intelligence workshop under the newly launched AI4Odisha initiative. The session was launched virtually by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

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IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Sambalpur Launch AI4Odisha Initiative for MSMEs Growth

Titled “AI for Business Growth From Local Markets to National Reach”, the workshop focused on helping MSMEs, traders and entrepreneurs understand how artificial intelligence can support business expansion, improve operations and enhance competitiveness. More than 350 participants from western Odisha took part in the program.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including IIM Sambalpur Director Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, IIM Ahmedabad Director Prof Bharat Bhasker and other industry leaders and Artificial Intelligence experts from organisations such as Microsoft, ZOHO and other startups.

In his address, Dharmendra Pradhan praised IIM Sambalpur for promoting Artificial Intelligence awareness among small businesses and said that Artificial Intelligence is helping entrepreneurs improve productivity, reach more customers and build a stronger digital economy under the vision of a developed India.

Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal highlighted that MSMEs play a key role in India's economy by contributing significantly to GDP and employment. He said Artificial Intelligence will help small businesses make better decisions, improve customer engagement and streamline supply chains.

Prof Bharat Bhasker added that the workshop is designed to give practical exposure to Artificial Intelligence tools so that entrepreneurs can use them in daily business activities like marketing, customer analysis and operations.

Overall, the workshop aimed to provide hands-on experience in AI applications and support the growth of small businesses, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, helping them adapt to the digital economy.