Entrepreneurs from Odisha Featured in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.
Odisha is bursting with pride as five young visionaries from the state have earned a spot on the Forbes Asia 30 Under-30 List for 2025. Bodhisattaw Sanghapriya, Om Prakash, Anil Pradhan, Vaishali Sharma, and Apurwa Masook are redefining innovation in drone technology, STEM education, and aerospace. Their recognition on this global stage highlights Odisha’s growing influence as a hub for entrepreneurial talent. From revolutionizing rural education to advancing India’s space ambitions, these entrepreneurs are shaping a brighter future for our state.
Bodhisattaw Sanghapriya and Om Prakash: Pioneering Drone Innovation
Bodhisattaw Sanghapriya and Om Prakash, co-founders of IG Drones, have put Odisha in the global spotlight with their cutting-edge drone technology. Recognized in the Industry, Manufacturing, and Energy category of the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list, their Noida-based startup is transforming sectors like agriculture, surveillance, and defense. Their flagship product, ‘JAGA,’ a 5 G-enabled surveillance drone, enhances real-time data transmission, making it a vital tool for government and private enterprises. IG Drones raised $1 million in seed funding last year and played a key role in India’s Operation Sindoor, showcasing Odisha’s contribution to national security.
What makes IG Drones stand out is its focus on solving India-specific challenges. From mapping rural farmlands to aiding disaster response, Sanghapriya and Prakash are creating solutions that resonate locally while scaling globally. Their journey began at VSSUT Burla, where they honed their skills through the ISRO-VSSUT satellite project. Their work is about empowering Odisha’s communities by creating jobs and fostering drone technology skills. These young minds are proving that Odisha technology entrepreneurs can lead India’s drone revolution, challenging the idea that innovation is confined to metro cities.
Anil Pradhan and Vaishali Sharma: Transforming STEM Education
Anil Pradhan and Vaishali Sharma, co-founders of the Young Tinker Foundation, are revolutionizing education in rural India, earning them a spot in the Social Impact category of the Forbes 30 Under 30 India list. Their mission is to spark scientific curiosity among underserved students through STEM learning kits and ‘Tinker on Wheels’ mobile workshops. Reaching over 50 rural schools, their initiatives have empowered thousands of children with hands-on science education. A standout achievement? A team they mentored won a social media award at the 2023 NASA Rover Challenge, putting Odisha on the global stage.
Their approach is unique because it bridges the urban-rural education gap. By making STEM accessible in Odisha’s villages, they’re nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers. A fresh insight: their work challenges the stereotype that innovation belongs to cities, proving that rural Odisha can produce global talent. Imagine the pride of seeing a rural Odia student compete at NASA, this is the future Anil and Vaishali are building.
Apurwa Masook: Revolutionizing Aerospace with SpaceFields
Apurwa Masook, founder of SpaceFields, is Odisha’s aerospace pioneer, recognized in the Industry, Manufacturing, and Energy category of the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list. SpaceFields is pushing boundaries in propulsion systems and space exploration, positioning Odisha as an emerging hub for aerospace innovation. Masook’s vision aligns with India’s growing space ambitions, making his work a beacon for the state’s youth.
Rooted in Odisha and shaped by his time at VSSUT Burla, Masook’s journey began with the ISRO-VSSUT satellite project, which sparked his entrepreneurial drive. SpaceFields isn’t just about technology; it’s about inspiring Odias to dream beyond traditional careers and venture into cutting-edge fields like aerospace.
Odisha’s Forbes Stars: Mohan Majhi’s Praise Inspires All
The inclusion of these five VSSUT Burla alumni in the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list underscores Odisha’s innovation prowess. Their ventures in drones, education, and aerospace prove our talent rivals global leaders. CM Mohan Charan Majhi celebrated their “vision and hard work,” stating on X, “Your exemplary success will inspire our youth to be ambitious and follow new paths”. A unique insight: their achievements could attract investors, spurring local startups and jobs. Odias can champion Odisha youth in the Forbes list by mentoring youth and backing Startup Odisha, ensuring our state remains an innovation powerhouse.
