Bhubaneswar: A financial technology inclusion initiative, BharatNetra, was unveiled by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, coinciding with the launch of the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (IGFTCH). As part of the IGFTCH, state govt is partnering with the National University of Singapore and Singapore-headquartered Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) to launch a certificate course in fintech and insurtech (CFI), a five-month hybrid programme combining coursework, in-person sessions, projects and internships.The programme will train 7,000 students over five years in technology, regulation and business, building a future-ready workforce in the two sectors. Supported by the Skill Development Institute, with a view to national accreditation, around 2,000 applicants from more than 50 colleges have already applied for the inaugural 375-seat course starting in Sept.Majhi said the hub will shape the future of finance in Odisha. “It will help strengthen India’s global leadership in the digital economy. The hub is the outcome of a landmark partnership between the Odisha govt and GFTN,” he added.He said the initiative was discussed during the visit of Singapore President T Shanmugaratnam to Odisha in Jan. “It reflects our commitment to bring the best of the world to Odisha, and to take Odisha to the world. These efforts align with our Vision 2036: to build a $500 billion economy by 2036. Our goal is to rank among the top five Indian states in per capita income. And Odisha will play a central role in making India a global economic leader,” he added.The CM said a Global Capability Centre (GCC) will be established under BharatNetra. “The centre will act as a strong foundation for attracting global financial institutions and new investments into Odisha,” he added. “We are now in the process of launching dedicated fintech and GCC policies to attract global investments,” said Majhi. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said BharatNetra will create a globally connected fintech and insurtech hub in Odisha by skilling and educating the youth. “We are laying the foundation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he added.Pradhan said the initiative will ensure that Odisha students, from the villages to cities, can not only open pathways for employment and entrepreneurship but also strengthen India’s leadership in financial inclusion and innovation. “For India’s youth, employability is no longer just about degrees, it is about readiness to thrive in fast-changing industries. BharatNetra will bridge the gap,” he added. As part of the initiative, the govt will host the Black Swan Summit (BSS) India in early 2026, to connect talent and startups to international job pipelines, venture capital and digital economy networks. It will establish a Centre of Excellence as part of its integrated innovation hub, serving as a launchpad for high-potential fintech and insurtech startups.The IGFTCH will connect Odisha to the world’s top fintech ecosystems, offering a collaboration space for startups, corporates and innovators to co-create market-ready solutions, accelerate product development and forge cross-border partnerships.