Building on its impactful outreach across the country, KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI) marked another milestone in its mission to catalyse the transformation of India’s MSME ecosystem. On May 19, 2025, the capital city of Bhubaneswar witnessed an enriching LEAN Awareness Programme organized by KIIT-TBI in collaboration with the National Productivity Council (NPC), the Directorate of Export Promotion & Marketing (DEP&M), and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) – Odisha Chapter. The event, held at Raptani Bhawan in Nayapalli, brought together a distinguished panel of experts, MSME stakeholders, and academia, fostering insightful dialogue and knowledge-sharing under the ambit of the MSME Competitive LEAN Scheme (MCLS).
The session commenced with a warm welcome by Shri Kamal Sahoo, Head of the FIEO Odisha Chapter, who greeted esteemed dignitaries and participants with an opening note that set a vibrant tone for the day. Among the notable guests were Shri Shyama Prasad, Deputy Director of the National Productivity Council (NPC), Bhubaneswar; Shri Samarendra Sahoo, Adviser at KIIT-TBI; Dr. Biswajit Mohapatra, Lean Consultant at KIIT-TBI; and Shri Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, Director of DEP&M. The KIIT-TBI organizing team, including Mr. Suramya Mishra (Manager), Mr. Abhishek G. Tripathy, and Mr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh (Associates), were instrumental in coordinating the event.
In his keynote address, Shri Shyama Prasad provided a comprehensive overview of the LEAN Scheme, detailing its implementation roadmap and clearly outlining the transformative potential it holds for MSMEs. His presentation enabled the participants to understand how the phased adoption of Lean principles can drive efficiency and productivity within their enterprises.
Adding further depth to the discussions, Shri Samarendra Sahoo inspired MSMEs to embrace Lean practices wholeheartedly and form enterprise groups to harness the collective strength of the sector. Drawing upon his extensive experience in MSME policy and programme implementation, he emphasized the critical importance of mindset shift and strategic collaboration in achieving long-term success.
A pivotal highlight of the programme was the technical session conducted by Dr. Biswajit Mohapatra, who delved into Lean tools and techniques through practical case studies. His insights into real-world success stories illustrated how structured Lean interventions have significantly improved operational performance across diverse enterprises.
Institutional support for the initiative was reinforced by Shri Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, Director, DEP&M, who underscored the role of Lean principles in enhancing Odisha’s export potential. Complementing this, Shri Jagdish Sahu, MSME-DFO from Cuttack, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the smooth and effective rollout of the scheme at the grassroots level.
The programme also featured a vibrant interactive session where MSME stakeholders actively engaged with the expert panel. Entrepreneurs such as Mr. Pramod Kumar Choudhury and Mr. Ashok Kumar Sahoo posed critical questions, drawing attention to the practical challenges faced by small businesses. The experts addressed a range of concerns, from Lean implementation nuances to broader sectoral issues, offering constructive and actionable guidance. The MSMEs present at the workshop agreed to form Groups of Enterprises (GoEs), with a commitment to extend the benefits of Lean Manufacturing to neighbouring MSME units. Shri Samarendra Sahu, Advisor, KIIT-TBI, emphasized the importance of proactive participation by encouraging MSMEs to take the lead in forming GoEs.
He highlighted that the MSME Competitive LEAN Scheme requires minimal financial contribution from participating units and offers a hassle-free process for obtaining Lean Certification. He further underscored that Lean implementation not only helps MSMEs enhance their operational efficiency and profitability but also positions them for greater visibility and preference in government programmes and schemes. By embracing Lean practices and promoting collective action, MSMEs can unlock long-term growth and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving business environment. Mr. Abhishek G. Tripathy and Mr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh played an active role in guiding participants through the technical content, facilitating smooth interaction and enhancing understanding among MSMEs navigating their Lean transformation journey.
The presence of a large number of students from the Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) and DAV School of Business Management added academic vibrancy to the event. These students gained valuable exposure to the dynamic MSME landscape, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world enterprise challenges.
The session concluded on a high note with the presentation of mementoes to the distinguished guests, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Suramya Mishra. He expressed deep gratitude to all dignitaries, organizers, and participants for their invaluable contributions in making the programme a resounding success.
With this impactful initiative, KIIT-TBI continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering innovation-led, productivity-driven growth for India’s MSMEs. Through sustained capacity building, collaborative partnerships, and on-ground action, KIIT-TBI is shaping a future where micro, small, and medium enterprises can thrive competitively and sustainably.
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