Odisha to Set Up ₹400 Crore Semiconductor Centre at IIIT Bhubaneswar
New Centre of Excellence to boost chip research, digital governance, and high-tech skills
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken a major step towards becoming a centre for advanced technology and digital innovation. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Semiconductor Materials and Devices at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bhubaneswar. The project will be developed with an investment of ₹400 crore.
The announcement was made during the valedictory session of Indocrypt 2025, India’s leading international conference on cryptography and information security. The event was hosted by IIIT Bhubaneswar for the first time and brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers from India and abroad.
Centre of Excellence to Support India Semiconductor Mission
The upcoming Centre of Excellence will focus on skill development, research, innovation, and industry partnerships in semiconductor design and manufacturing. It will work in line with the India Semiconductor Mission, which aims to build a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Chief Minister Majhi said the initiative will place Odisha on the national map of semiconductor development. He added that the centre will help create a skilled workforce, support cutting-edge research, and attract industry collaboration in the fast-growing chip sector.
Strengthening Cyber Security and Digital Governance
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s efforts in digital governance and cyber security. He pointed out that the state has been among the early adopters of digital platforms for public services such as land records, online government services, and disaster early-warning systems.
He stressed that cryptography and information security play a crucial role in governance, economic growth, and national security. Hosting Indocrypt 2025 in Bhubaneswar, he said, reflects Odisha’s growing importance in the digital and technology space.
Big Vision for IIIT Bhubaneswar’s Expansion
The Chief Minister also shared a broader roadmap to transform IIIT Bhubaneswar into a leading centre for education, research, and innovation. Several new infrastructure and academic projects were announced as part of this vision.
These include the construction of a modern Student Activity Centre and a Central Auditorium to host academic, cultural, and national-level events. Plans are also in place to expand advanced research laboratories across key technology and science disciplines.
A Sports Complex will be developed on campus to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and overall student well-being.
New Centre for e-Governance and Emerging Technologies
One of the key announcements was the establishment of a Centre for e-Governance and Digital Capacity Building at IIIT Bhubaneswar. This centre will focus on research and training in cyber security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, renewable energy micro-grids, and advanced wireless communication.
The centre will be developed in collaboration with the Department of Electronics and Information Technology. It will also train professionals and government officials in emerging digital technologies, helping strengthen Odisha’s digital administration.
Focus on Pure Sciences and Long-Term Research
To support long-term academic growth, the state government plans to expand pure science departments at IIIT Bhubaneswar. This move aims to build strong foundations in fundamental research, which are essential for innovation in areas such as semiconductors and advanced computing.
Industry Leaders and Experts Share Insights
Minister for Electronics and IT Dr. Mukesh Mahaling spoke about the growing importance of cyber security in driving socio-economic development. He praised India’s cryptography community for its progress over the last 25 years.
Several senior officials and experts also addressed the conference, including Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, C-DAC Kolkata Centre Head Dr. A. S. Murthy, international cryptography expert Professor Pantelimon Stanica, Programme Chair Professor Ratna Dutta, and IIIT Bhubaneswar Director Dr. Ashish Ghosh. They highlighted the institute’s achievements in research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Special Secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rout.
Boost to Odisha’s Technology Ecosystem
With the launch of the semiconductor Centre of Excellence and multiple new initiatives at IIIT Bhubaneswar, Odisha is positioning itself as a strong player in technology education, digital governance, and semiconductor research. These steps are expected to attract talent, investment, and global partnerships, strengthening the state’s role in India’s digital and high-tech future.
Also Read : https://odishainsider.com/cm-mohan-charan-majhi-to-lay-foundation-for-odishas-first-compound-semiconductor-plant/
