Building the Next Gen of Fintech Talent: Odisha’s BharatNetra Accelerates Skills & Inclusion

“India’s fintech revolution will only be as strong as the talent and digital inclusion that power it.” — Nandan Nilekan

A New Chapter for Fintech in Odisha

India’s fintech sector has been racing ahead, but the true measure of progress is not just urban adoption—it is how deeply technology reaches underserved regions. That is why the launch of BharatNetra in Odisha marks a defining moment.

BharatNetra, part of the state’s digital skilling and inclusion initiative, is designed to train young professionals, women, and rural entrepreneurs in core fintech skills. The program aligns with India’s broader mission to democratize financial access, because the next big leap in fintech will not come only from Tier 1 cities; it will be written in the towns and villages.

Skilling the Next Generation

At its core, BharatNetra is about capacity building. By offering hands-on training in digital payments, compliance systems, and financial literacy, the program is preparing a new workforce ready for fintech’s evolving demands.

For many participants, this is not just about learning a new app or tool—it is about being empowered to participate in India’s formal financial system. In a state where access gaps have historically been wide, this initiative bridges not just technology, but opportunity.

Inclusion as a Growth Engine

Odisha’s push is also timely. According to recent industry data, rural India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for digital transactions. Yet the lack of trained manpower, awareness, and compliance-ready professionals often limits growth.

By investing in skilling and inclusion, BharatNetra ensures that fintech is not an urban luxury but a nationwide movement. It creates a pool of talent that startups, banks, and digital-first companies can tap into, reducing the urban-rural divide and accelerating India’s march toward a truly inclusive digital economy.

Why It Matters for Startups and Investors

For fintech startups, Odisha’s initiative is a signal that the next wave of growth is going to come from Bharat, not just from metros. Access to a digitally literate, compliance-ready workforce makes it easier for companies to expand responsibly. For investors, it shows that the ecosystem is maturing in a way that prioritizes long-term sustainability, not just rapid user acquisition.

As Nandan Nilekani has often stressed,

“Digital public infrastructure is India’s biggest economic opportunity.”

Initiatives like BharatNetra plug directly into that opportunity by ensuring that talent keeps pace with innovation.

The Takeaway

The story of fintech in India is no longer just about apps and products—it is about people. By focusing on skills and inclusion, Odisha’s BharatNetra is laying the groundwork for the next decade of growth. When rural youth and entrepreneurs are empowered with digital tools, they do not just consume fintech—they become its builders, distributors, and innovators.

Where Tikona Capital Fits In

At Tikona Capital Finserv Pvt.Ltd, we see BharatNetra’s vision as directly aligned with the future of investing. As rural entrepreneurs gain skills and startups emerge from these ecosystems, they will need access to structured capital. Through our SME Fundraising advisory, we help businesses secure the funding needed to scale responsibly and compliantly.

For investors, this shift creates opportunities to align portfolios with India’s digital inclusion story. Our Mutual Fund strategies, including thematic funds focused on financial services and infrastructure, enable investors to capture long-term growth driven by Bharat’s rising participation. And for families and professionals preparing for the future, our Goal and Wealth Planning solutions ensure that financial journeys stay aligned with education, entrepreneurship, and generational progress.

The next generation of fintech will not be built only in metros—it will be powered by skilled youth across India. With Tikona Capital, you can be part of this transformation, turning inclusion into growth and opportunity into wealth.

⚡“Start your investment journey with Tikona Capital Finserv Pvt.Ltd, where smart strategies meet disciplined execution.”

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