When spirituality meets startups: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar joins Meet the Drapers in Odisha

The Odisha edition of Meet the Drapers stands out from the usual startup shows. Instead of only talking about profits and growth, this episode focused on how startups can help society. It was filmed at Sri Sri University in Cuttack and featured a unique judging panel: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, along with Tim Draper and Polly Draper.
This combination showed that India’s startup story is not about copying Silicon Valley — it’s about building businesses that combine technology, purpose, and impact for millions of people.

Startups with Real-World Impact

Four startups presented ideas aimed at solving big problems outside India’s major cities:

• EzeRx Health Tech: A portable, needle-free device to detect anaemia, especially useful in rural areas.

• Coratia Technologies: Underwater robots to inspect dams, ports, and pipelines, improving safety and infrastructure.

• Clino Health Innovation: Advanced ambulance tech that sends patient health data to hospitals in real time.

• Ayati Devices: A device that helps detect diabetic nerve damage early.

All four companies focused on challenges faced by people beyond the metro cities — places where healthcare and infrastructure are still developing.

A Different Style of Judging

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar added a unique perspective to the panel.
Instead of only asking business questions, he connected each pitch to human needs, spirituality, and practical wisdom.

For example:

• He appreciated EzeRx’s non-invasive anaemia test because many people avoid blood tests.

• He emphasized how Clino Health’s real-time ambulance data could save lives.

• He praised Coratia’s work for improving India’s critical infrastructure.

One of the most memorable moments happened during Ayati Devices’ demo. Tim Draper took a neuropathy test using their device. After doing breathing exercises taught by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Tim’s follow-up test showed better results. He reacted with genuine surprise, saying:
“Oh my God, Sri Sri. Thank you.”

This moment highlighted a core Indian truth: modern medical tech and traditional wellness practices can work together.

Learning About India Beyond Metros

While Delhi episodes focus on government innovation and Bengaluru episodes focus on venture capital, the Odisha episode showcased emerging India — regions growing in infrastructure and local entrepreneurship.

Between pitches, the show featured scenes of founders exploring Odisha’s culture, food, and the Sri Sri University campus.
This helped explain an important point:
To build for India, founders must understand India’s diversity.

Tim Draper also learned how business in India requires cultural understanding, not just financial knowledge.

How the Judges Chose the Winner

During the show’s “crystal ball” moment, the judges selected Coratia Technologies to move on to the semifinals.
Their underwater robots have huge potential for India’s infrastructure and defence needs, making them a strong deep-tech candidate.

The other startups were praised for their impact and encouraged to keep building.

Why This Episode is Special

The Odisha episode stands out because it changed the conversation about entrepreneurship in India.
It showed that:

• Success is not only about valuations, but also about purpose and social impact.

• India’s future unicorns will solve problems for rural and semi-urban India, not just big cities.

• Indian startups can combine technology, intuition, culture, and wellness to build meaningful businesses.

For the Drapers, the episode was a learning experience. Instead of Silicon Valley teaching India how to build startups, this time India taught something back — how entrepreneurship can include heart, culture, and community.