The Government of Odisha has joined forces with the Singapore-based Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) to unveil the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) in Bhubaneswar. Scheduled for launch on 21 August 2025, this initiative marks a significant milestone as Odisha’s first large-scale, globally aligned FinTech development project. The Hub aims to place Bhubaneswar at the core of India’s digital finance transformation, supporting broader national economic objectives.
A multi-tiered strategy has been devised to establish Odisha as a centre of excellence in financial technology. As part of the “Global Learning” pillar, Odisha has collaborated with NUS-AIDF and GFTN to introduce a five-month hybrid certification programme in FinTech and InsurTech. This training initiative, developed in partnership with the Skill Development Institute and supported by the Ministry of Education, will reach more than 7,000 learners from all districts in the state. The curriculum blends digital coursework, in-person sessions in Bhubaneswar, hands-on projects, and internship placements to cultivate job-ready professionals for the evolving digital economy.
Under the “Global Mindshare” initiative, Bhubaneswar is set to host the India edition of the Black Swan Summit (BSS) in early 2026. This international platform gathers leaders in AI, tokenisation, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure to discuss emerging technologies. The Summit builds on its inaugural edition in Perth and forms part of the broader Black Swan Network. GFTN also leads global events such as the Singapore FinTech Festival and Point Zero Forum, offering Odisha’s professionals and startups access to worldwide innovation hubs, career pathways, and investor networks.
To accelerate innovation, Odisha will establish a Centre of Excellence to support startups through incubation, mentorship, and venture development. This will be reinforced by GFTN’s experience in fostering digital transformation across financial systems. Additionally, the state is developing a strategic operations base for GFTN-affiliated financial institutions to collaborate with startups and innovators in a shared, high-performance workspace. These integrated efforts aim to redefine how global finance centres operate, shifting from cost-saving models to innovation-driven growth hubs.
The launch of I-GFTCH is being led by the Honourable Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with strong backing from the Electronics & IT and Higher Education Departments. The first phase begins with the rollout of the Global Learning initiative in September 2025, anchored by the NUS-AIDF certification programme. Commenting on the launch, Minister for Electronics & IT Shri Dr Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the effort as a strategic investment in Odisha’s youth and digital future. Minister for Higher Education Suryabanshi Suraj noted that this partnership builds a future-ready talent pipeline for India’s innovation ecosystem. Sopnendu Mohanty, CEO of GFTN, applauded Odisha’s rapid execution of the initiative following a landmark agreement during the state visit of Singapore’s President earlier this year.
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-based not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2024. GFTN harnesses technology and innovation to strengthen global financial systems—making them more efficient, resilient, and inclusive—through international collaboration.
GFTN operates a global network of forums, including the Singapore FinTech Festival, its flagship event. The organisation advises governments and enterprises on digital finance policy and ecosystem development, delivers digital infrastructure solutions, and is preparing to launch a venture fund that will invest in financial technology startups with a strong emphasis on inclusion and sustainability.
The Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF) is a joint initiative by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Hosted at the National University of Singapore (NUS), AIDF serves as a regional centre of excellence for FinTech research, education, and innovation.
AIDF offers advanced academic programmes including the Master of Science and PhD in Digital Financial Technology, aimed at cultivating future leaders and experts in the digital finance sector. NUS is currently ranked #8 globally and #1 in Asia (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The Black Swan Summit is an international forum dedicated to accelerating the exploration and adoption of next-generation technologies. Positioned at the intersection of global innovation ecosystems, the Summit promotes disruptive thinking, rapid capability building, and cross-border cooperation. First launched in Perth, Western Australia, the Summit is the anchor event of the Black Swan Network, GFTN’s flagship multi-city platform designed to foster global foresight, inclusive innovation, and international collaboration.
