Bhubaneswar: At the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & IT, and Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled a transformative ₹7,000 crore investment in Odisha’s IT sector, propelling the state toward becoming a global hub for innovation and digital excellence.
Speaking at the Sectoral Session on IT/ITeS/ESDM, Vaishnaw announced plans to develop 15 million sq. ft. of cutting-edge IT facilities designed to attract global corporations and solidify Odisha’s position as a premier destination for technological growth.
The Minister underscored Odisha’s strategic role in India’s ambitious Semiconductor Mission. Reflecting on the program’s launch in 2022, he said, “Skepticism surrounded the mission’s success, but today, global confidence in India—and Odisha as a semiconductor hub—has surged.”
To further bolster semiconductor education and innovation, the government plans to expand semiconductor programs to seven additional universities in Odisha, complementing the four already operational. Vaishnaw emphasized that the state’s talented engineers and students are poised to lead this mission from their homeland.
Highlighting advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Vaishnaw announced the establishment of an AI Compute Facility and Data Center in Odisha. He revealed India’s efforts to create its own Large Language Model (LLM), positioning Odisha as a critical hub for AI research and development.
The Minister pointed to India’s thriving AI compute ecosystem, which has drawn bids to create 18,000 GPUs, presenting unprecedented opportunities for innovation and investment.
Vaishnaw outlined initiatives to foster talent development, including 5G labs and access to advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools in universities. He commended Odisha’s institutions for spearheading this transformation and equipping the next generation of innovators.
The Union Minister also detailed the central government’s significant investments in Odisha, spanning multiple sectors:
- ₹73,000 crore in the railway sector for enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.
- ₹5,033 crore in telecom to improve digital accessibility.
- ₹7,000 crore in IT to establish Odisha as a global technology hub.
Vaishnaw lauded the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 for showcasing Odisha’s potential on a global stage. “With robust infrastructure, strategic investments, and immense talent, Odisha is poised to lead India’s technological revolution,” he affirmed.
The event highlighted Odisha’s emergence as a leader in technology, innovation, and economic development, cementing its place as a driving force behind India’s digital and industrial future.
