Bhubaneswar: Odisha has been categorized as ‘Leader’ in the States’ Startup Ranking-2019 which was released today by Union Minister Piyush Goyal through a virtual felicitation ceremony. The state government of Odisha has simplified the approvals and clearances process for startups with the help of an online portal (investodisha.gov.in). The portal has an interactive mechanism in a place called GO SWIFT (Single Window Clearance Portal). Keeping in the view the specific requirements of the state startup ecosystem, the government of Odisha has carried out various amendments in rules and regulations to promote the growth of startups and create a favourable regulatory environment. The state has made necessary relaxations in terms of experience, turnover and submission of earnest money deposits in order to encourage startups to participate in public procurement. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) conducted the second edition of the States’ Startup Ranking Exercise, with the key objective to foster competitiveness and propel States and Union Territories to work proactively towards uplifting the startup ecosystem. It has been implemented as a capacity development exercise to encourage mutual learning among all states and to provide support in policy formulation and implementation.