Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the latest facility of Cognizant, a global IT services giant, further solidifying Odisha’s position as a leading IT investment destination. Cognizant, a US-based multinational with a market value of $19.4 billion, is renowned as one of the world’s top IT services providers, employing over 350,000 professionals worldwide and listed on NASDAQ-100.
Addressing the audience, Chief Minister Patnaik stated, “Cognizant’s entry is a significant milestone for the new Odisha, cementing its reputation as a premier IT investment destination in the country. Odisha has evolved into a ‘Destination of the Future’ due to growing investments, a talented workforce, and ambitious initiatives. These factors form the bedrock of our state’s journey toward growth and development, fostering entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and new-age businesses within a robust ecosystem.”
Tusharkanti Behera, Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Sports & Youth Services, and Home, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Bhubaneswar’s global prominence for IT, ESDM, and consulting companies under Chief Minister Patnaik’s leadership. He highlighted Odisha’s emergence as the undisputed leader in the IT domain, shaping the future of technology and creating ample opportunities for the state’s youth.
The new Cognizant center in Bhubaneswar spans 52,000 sqft, designed to accommodate 1,000 associates in a hybrid work environment at the Odisha Technology Centre. Over the next two years, the center is projected to expand, accommodating more than 5,000 associates. This facility is equipped for collaborative work in various domains, including AI, ML, IoT, Digital Engineering, and robotic automation.
Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant and the first Odia CEO of any Fortune 200 company, expressed excitement about the expansion to Tier II cities, citing Odisha’s entrepreneurial spirit, renowned educational institutions, strong infrastructure, and promising talent. He commended the unwavering support from the Odisha Government and praised its unmatched speed and responsiveness in facilitating the establishment of the center.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Kartik Pandian, Chairman 5T Initiatives & Nabin Odisha, Tusharkanti Behera, Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Sports & Youth Services & Home, Manoj Mishra, Principal Secretary, Electronics & IT Department, Manas Panda, Special Secretary, Electronics & IT, Ravi Kumar S, CEO, Cognizant, Rajesh Nambiar, CMD, Cognizant India, along with senior leadership and associates of the company.
As Bhubaneswar cements its status as a global IT services and consulting hub, Cognizant’s expansion is anticipated to generate employment opportunities for the youth, acting as a catalyst for overall growth in the IT industry and the state’s economy.