In a landmark step toward becoming a global player in financial technology and digital innovation, Odisha will host the India edition of the Black Swan Summit (BSS) in the first quarter of 2026, stated a report from The New Indian Express.
The Black Swan Summit, launched earlier this year in Perth, Australia, is a flagship international platform spearheaded by the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN).
It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, startups, and academia to explore disruptive technologies, including tokenisation, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and digital infrastructure.
From MoU to Momentum: Odisha’s Rising Global Footprint
The state’s journey to the global FinTech stage began with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in January with GFTN and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) during the visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Notably, that agreement laid the foundation for a multi-pronged strategy to drive skill development, startup incubation, and high-end research in financial technologies.
Central to this vision is the upcoming Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH), set to be inaugurated on August 21 in Bhubaneswar.
The I-GFTCH will serve as a talent factory, training over 7,000 students in FinTech and InsurTech over the next five years through a hybrid certification programme in partnership with NUS-AIDF.
The I-GFTCH will also house a Centre of Excellence to support startups and SMEs with incubation, mentorship, bootcamps, and venture development programmes.
The hub aims to directly generate over 2,000 jobs and catalyse sector-wide innovation, while Odisha’s financial services sector is projected to grow to 49% by 2047 under Vision Odisha 2036 and 2047.