Five Odisha Innovators Make Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 List

Bhubaneswar: In a moment of pride for Odisha, five young entrepreneurs and innovators from the state have been named in the prestigious Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list for 2025. The recognition highlights their exceptional contributions to fields such as drone technology, aerospace, and education.

The cofounders of IG Drones — Bodhisattaw Sanghapriya and Om Prakash, Young Tinker Foundation cofounders Anil Pradhan and Vaishali Sharma, and SpaceFields cofounder Apurwa Masook have earned spots on the coveted list.

Among them, Sanghapriya, Prakash, and Masook were recognized under the Industry, Manufacturing and Energy category. Their ventures are making waves both nationally and internationally.

IG Drones, headquartered in Noida, has developed four advanced drone models for mapping, surveillance, and agricultural applications. The company caters to clients including government agencies, universities, and private firms. Notably, IG Drones also contributed to Operation Sindoor, an Indian Armed Forces mission aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025.

SpaceFields, based in Bengaluru, is pioneering fuel systems and rocket propulsion technologies catering to space, commercial aviation, and defence sectors.

Meanwhile, the Young Tinker Foundation is creating waves in rural India through its mission to foster scientific curiosity and creativity among school students by making science and mathematics more engaging and accessible.

Congratulatory messages poured in from top state leaders. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised the awardees, saying, “Their hard work and achievements will inspire our young generation.”

Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo applauded their impact, stating that their “groundbreaking work is not only shaping industries but also redefining the landscape of innovation on the global stage.”

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida added, “These achievements have made Odisha proud at the global level.”

This recognition marks a major milestone for Odisha’s youth, placing the state firmly on the global map of innovation and entrepreneurship.