CM Mohan Majhi Lays Foundation for Rs 200 Cr SUM Lifesciences Project, Boosts Odisha’s Pharma Growth
Alongside, state inaugurates 27 industrial ventures worth Rs 25,000 crore, creating over 52,000 job opportunities
Bhubaneswar : Odisha took a decisive step towards strengthening its pharmaceutical and industrial ecosystem as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for the Rs 200 crore SUM Lifesciences project. The advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facility is set to come up at Gothapatna Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, positioning the state as an emerging hub for pharma and biotech innovation.
SUM Lifesciences Project: A Game-Changer for Odisha’s Pharma Sector
The project, being developed by SUM Lifesciences Private Limited, a subsidiary of Summa Real Media Pvt. Ltd., is designed to foster cutting-edge pharmaceutical production and research. Once operational, the facility will directly employ 1,280 people, with additional indirect employment expected through allied industries, logistics, and services.
Officials said the new facility will not only cater to domestic healthcare needs but also contribute to the export of pharmaceutical products, thereby enhancing Odisha’s share in India’s booming pharma market. With the global demand for affordable and quality medicines rising, the unit is expected to play a crucial role in expanding access while boosting local innovation.
Part of a Larger Industrial Push
The foundation stone laying ceremony was part of a larger state-level event held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) campus in Bhubaneswar. At the event, CM Majhi virtually inaugurated 27 industrial projects across 12 districts, with a total investment exceeding Rs 25,000 crore. These projects span diverse sectors including steel, aluminium, food processing, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
According to official estimates, these ventures are projected to create over 52,000 jobs, signaling a strong boost to employment generation in the state. Industries Minister Sampad Charan Swain described the initiative as a “turning point” in Odisha’s industrial journey, showcasing the state’s readiness to attract large-scale investments.
Key Attendees at the Event
The event was attended by prominent government officials and industry stakeholders, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and Principal Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to fast-tracking industrial projects, ensuring ease of doing business, and facilitating investor confidence.
Strengthening Odisha’s Industrial Identity
Odisha has been aggressively positioning itself as a major investment destination. Earlier this year, during the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, the state received over 593 investment intents worth Rs 16.73 lakh crore. The latest round of project launches is a continuation of that momentum, translating investment commitments into tangible outcomes.
The SUM Lifesciences facility, in particular, highlights the state’s diversification strategy. While Odisha is traditionally known for its mineral-based industries, the focus on pharmaceuticals and biotechnology indicates a deliberate move towards knowledge-driven sectors that promise long-term sustainable growth.
Employment and Economic Impact
The 1,280 direct jobs to be created by the pharma unit are expected to attract skilled professionals in research, manufacturing, and quality control. In addition, thousands of indirect jobs are anticipated in logistics, supply chain, and ancillary industries. Similarly, the 27 industrial projects will generate employment across technical and non-technical roles, benefiting both urban and rural youth.
CM Majhi, while addressing the gathering, said the projects collectively mark “the beginning of a new era of industrial and scientific advancement in Odisha.” He emphasized that the government will continue to prioritize inclusive growth by balancing industrial progress with environmental sustainability and community welfare.
As Odisha strengthens its industrial portfolio, projects like SUM Lifesciences reflect a long-term vision to build a balanced economy that goes beyond heavy industries. By nurturing the pharmaceutical and biotech sector, the state is preparing to meet global healthcare needs while ensuring employment-driven growth for its people.
With the foundation stone laid and multiple industrial projects launched, Odisha is well on its way to accelerating economic transformation, offering a strong message to investors that the state is ready for the future.
