Odisha has launched a new Fintech & Insurtech education program to train 7,000 students in the next five years. Backed by global partners, this initiative aims to make Odisha a fintech hub by 2036, boosting jobs, startups, and financial inclusion in India.
Odisha’s New Fintech & Insurtech Education Program: Shaping India’s Future
India’s financial landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, with fintech and insurtech leading the way. To stay ahead in this transformation, the Odisha government has launched a groundbreaking education initiative under its Vision 2036 plan. The program, named “BharatNetra,” is designed to nurture future-ready professionals in digital finance, create job opportunities, and establish Odisha as a major fintech hub.
BharatNetra: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
BharatNetra is being developed in collaboration with the Odisha Government, the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN). The program aims to equip young professionals with cutting-edge skills in fintech and insurtech. With 375 students already enrolled in the first batch beginning in September 2025, the program targets training 7,000 students over the next five years.
The curriculum covers essential subjects such as digital banking, blockchain, artificial intelligence in finance, cybersecurity, financial data analytics, regulatory frameworks, and insurance innovations. The hybrid training model, offering both online and in-person classes, ensures accessibility for students across India, including those from smaller towns and rural regions.
Why This Initiative Matters
This is more than just a skilling program—it represents a strategic step towards preparing India’s youth for global opportunities in digital finance. With India’s fintech industry projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, BharatNetra will ensure that Odisha contributes a highly skilled talent pool to the sector.
Vision 2036: Odisha’s Roadmap for the Future
BharatNetra forms a critical part of Odisha’s Vision 2036 strategy, which seeks to transform the state into a regional fintech hub. Key goals include establishing a Centre of Excellence in Fintech & Insurtech, attracting global collaborations and investments, and hosting the Black Swan Summit 2026, which will bring together innovators, investors, and policymakers from around the world. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, boost startups, and drive innovation pipelines across the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector.
Benefits for the BFSI Sector
The impact of this initiative will be significant for the BFSI industry. It will provide access to a larger, job-ready talent pool, foster partnerships between academia and industry leaders, and accelerate the growth of fintech and insurtech startups in Odisha. Moreover, it will encourage the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, and digital banking solutions, further strengthening India’s financial ecosystem.
Challenges to Address
Like any large-scale program, BharatNetra faces a few challenges. These include the need to strengthen infrastructure for hybrid learning, ensuring industry engagement for practical exposure, maintaining global standards in curriculum design, and making education affordable for students in rural and semi-urban areas. Tackling these challenges effectively will be crucial for the program’s long-term success.
Conclusion
The Odisha Fintech & Insurtech education program is a landmark initiative that aligns education, technology, and industry needs. With strong international partnerships, a future-focused curriculum, and a clear roadmap under Vision 2036, Odisha is positioning itself as a fintech powerhouse. By empowering thousands of young professionals, this program has the potential to shape not just the future of the state, but also the trajectory of India’s digital finance revolution.
